The History of York, Capital of the North and Second City of the Realm, is the History of England.

York began in AD71, built as a fortress against the Brigantes tribe by the Roman 9th Legion. Under the Romans it grew into an important City named Eboracum. It was the Vikings who gave York its name, derived from Jorvik or Yorwick, their brief but flourishing kingdom.

The magnificent Minster had been completed after work lasting 250 years and the City enjoyed prosperity and robust civic pride. It was not until the 18th Century that there was any marked change in the City's outward character, when it became a fashionable resort and centre.

Georgian elegance added to its architectural attractions. In the following century, the coming of the railway marked the start of a new era of growth and prosperity.

In York you can become a part of English history, viewing Roman remains at the Yorkshire Museum, sampling the Viking way of life at the Jorvik Viking Centre, defending the city from attack at Clifford's Tower, imagining yourself a prosperous Georgian Merchant in Fairfax House, or window shopping in a typical Victorian street at the Castle Museum.

Wherever you go in York you will find evidence of its history and make memorable discoveries of your own.