Today was dedicated to discovering the historic city of York, once the second largest city in Britain.
Our guide was Jenny, a York native, who led us into the narrow streets & 'snickleways' of York.
First though we discovered teh incredible history lying just around the corner from our hotel, with Roman & Anglo-Saxon remains lying near to a ruined abbey church destroyed at the command of Henry VIII.
Atop the medieval city walls we learned how the city was once defended, with all manner of unpleasant liquids proving useful in a siege...!
At the end of our tour there was time for lunch, then we gathered together again to visit York's magnificent Minster, the largest Gothic church north of the Alps. In the recently reopened undercroft we learbed how the church is built over the ruins of a Roman fort dating from the time when York was known as Eboracum, an important regional center for the Romans & site of the coronation of Constantine, the first Christian emperor - an event that can be said to have truly changed the course of world history.
Underground we also got to learn Roman building techniques & to dress as archbishops!!!
Finally we ended the day with diner in the Guy Fawkes Inn, birthplace of one of Britain's most notorious traitors & now an atmospheric pub with delicious food!
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