History of York

Although only 15 when his father’s murder brought him to the throne in 1327, Edward III was a dynamic king.

He arrived in York in May of that year to oversee the next stage in the Scottish wars, staying in the Franciscan friary between the castle and the Ouse.

Owing to the fact that there was no Archbishop of Canterbury in post, Edward III also married in York, to Queen Philippa of Hainault.  The most important royal wedding in the city’s history took place in the Minster on January 24, 1328.  Their son died as a child and was buried in the Minster.

Edward III also moved his government to York.  The Chancery was at York Abbey and the Exchequer in York Castle.

With so much bullion and plate held here, robbers clustered around the main roads into the city.

When Edward’s battle against the Scots faltered, he turned his attention southwards, to the throne of France.  This was the start of the Hundred Years War (1337-1453), and York’s influence waned.  The government offices were transferred back to Westminster in 1338.

Parliament had gathered 15 times in York between 1298 and 1335.  It never did so again.