Exploring the Roman and Viking Past of Yorkshire
A beckoning to travel through time – a county of Yorkshire steeped in layers of history. Its Roman and Viking heritage is something special as it gives you a unique look at the transformative times of the region. There is no lack of things to discover in Yorkshire, from towering remnants of ancient architecture to fascinating relics unearthed in archaeological digs. If you are looking for a good base from which to explore, My Hotel Break will have options that meet your needs.
York’s City Walls: Guardians of the Past
York’s city walls are one of Yorkshire’s most enduring landmarks, and symbols of centuries of change and resilience. Originally built by the Romans these formidable fortifications have been altered and preserved through the ages. Stunning views of the city and its medieval charm can be had while walking along their length. The storied walls invite visitors to imagine life in a bygone era.
Micklegate Bar: A Gateway to the Ages
Micklegate Bar is a special place, being one of the southern entrances to York’s walls. This gatehouse is also a gateway to the past, where heads of traitors were displayed, as a symbol of power. Today the museum has exhibitions of the city’s lively story, combining education with enigma.
Unveiling Roman Eboracum
York was first Eboracum, a thriving Roman settlement, before it was made a Viking stronghold. Various sites across the city show evidence of this period. For example, the Roman Bath Museum gives you an up close and personal view into how an advanced society bathed. Other finds included intricate mosaics and artifacts which help paint a picture of what life was like in Roman Yorkshire.
The Multangular Tower: A Defensive Marvel
The Multangular Tower is a clear example of Roman military engineering tucked away in the Museum Gardens. This part of the original fortifications is a ten sided structure that oozes strength and precision, a visible link to the Roman legions that once guarded this frontier.
The Viking Era: Jórvík and Its Legacy
Fast forward a few centuries and York becomes Jórvík under Viking rule. This dynamic chapter is recreated at the Jorvik Viking Centre, which immerses visitors in sights, sounds and even scents of the 9th and 10th centuries. Interactive exhibits and expertly preserved artifacts bring the Viking spirit to life and also shine a light on their influence on the region.
Unearthing History in Coppergate
The site of Coppergate is full of groundbreaking archaeological discoveries and still fascinates historians and enthusiasts. Excavations here yielded a cache of Viking Age finds — tools and textiles — that illuminated life around that time. Their artifacts appear to combine practicality with a touch of craftsmanship, providing a nuanced view into the Viking culture.
Yorkshire’s Rural Roman and Viking Sites
There are still secrets of Yorkshire’s storied past to be discovered beyond York, in Yorkshire’s countryside. Remains of impressive mosaics were found at Aldborough, once a Roman town called Isurium Brigantum. The village of Stamford Bridge is also strategic for the region, and is the site of a major Viking age battle.
Malton: A Town with Dual Histories
Roman foundations join with Viking influences to make a delightful tapestry of heritage in Malton. Both periods are explored by the town’s museum, through artifacts and interpretive displays. Its streets offer layers of history waiting to be discovered.
Reliving the Past in Modern Times
Today, Yorkshire is enhanced by its Roman and Viking heritage. These eras are celebrated throughout the year by festivals, reenactments and educational events, encouraging a greater knowledge and appreciation for the county’s distinctive heritage. Visitors are active participants in the never ending text of this remarkable place.