Special Sub-Topic: Famous Cities: York Click Here To Play: Famous Cities: York

What was the Viking name for York?

Jorvik. The Vikings were the third invaders of York, and named it Jorvik. Eoforwic was the name given by the Angles and Eboracum was the name given by the Romans.

Who was baptised in the first York Minster in 627 AD?

Edwin King of Northumbria. York Minster is the fifth cathedral to be built on the site, the current one having been completed in 1472. It is the largest medieval Gothic church in northern Europe.

York Minster has its own police force.

True. York Minster is the only cathedral to have its own police force. The police force was set up in 1829 after a madman set alight the wooden choir stalls, the roof and the organ. The Madman, Johnathon Martin, had made several threats that he would burn down York Minster, but all were ignored.

To whom is St William's college dedicated to?

William Fitzherbert. St William's college was dedicated to William Fitzherbert, a great-grandson of William the Conquerer. William was elected as Archbishop of the Minster but was soon exiled to Sicily by the Pope. When the Pope died William was welcomed back to York by such an enthusiastic crowd that the Bridge over the River Ouse broke. People believed that William's prayers saved the people from drowning. William died a month later and was created a saint in 1227.

Bar, as in Bootham Bar, Monk Bar and Micklegate Bar is the Viking word for what?

Gate. Bootham Bar, Monk Bar and Micklegate Bar were all once gates leading into the city of York, although only Mickelgate still has a working portcullis. If the Queen wants to visit York she must stop at Mickelgate Bar and ask permission from the Lord Mayor to allow her to enter the city.

Guy Fawkes was born in York.

true. Guy Fawkes was born in York in 1570, baptised in St Michael-le-Belfrey church and educated at St Peter's school. He is best known for his part in a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. He was arrested, tortured, and as he refused to confess and betray his fellow conspirators, he was executed.

Situated in Stonegate, what is the name of the oldest ale house in York?

Ye Olde Starre Inn. Ye Olde Starre Inn was granted a license in 1644 making it York's oldest ale house. Shops in Stonegate are built in a medieval style, but the fronts date from the Georgian and Victorian periods.

What is the name of the oldest surviving row of houses in York?

Our Lady's Row. The cottages in Our Lady's row were built in 1316 by Thomas Langtoft so that their rent would pay for a chantry priest of the Virgin Mary at the church of Holy Trinity. The Shambles is the only street in York mentioned in the Domesday Book and is so narrow that people on opposite sides of the street can shake hands. There are wide window sills where until about 100 years ago butchers used to lay out their meat. Margaret Clitheroe is a Saint, canonized in 1970 for becoming a martyr of the Catholic religion. At the time she lived Roman Catholics were being persecuted. Despite this, Margaret continued to celebrate mass and even hid two priests in her house. She was eventually arrested and stoned to death.

Every February York celebrates a Viking festival. What is it called?

Jolablot. The Viking festival of Jolablot celebrates the coming of Spring. In York actors dress up as either Viking or Saxon warriors as they re enact the Viking invasion of York in 866 AD. Other events include long boat racing, a traditional Viking feast, dancing and story telling.

What was the name of site of the main gateway to the Roman fortress?

St Helen's Square. After the Romans left York St Helen's Square became the burial ground of St Helen's Church. Today it is full of shops with the church at one end. The Guildhall was built in the 15 Century and was used as a meeting place for guilds (groups of workers from the same trade). In 1483 it was even used to entertain King Richard III. Today it is used for meetings, concerts and exhibitions. Parliament Street is a pedestrianised area with shops and giant games of chess and draughts.