History of York

The city of York and the Crown were never closer than during the Medieval period.  Its political importance and prosperity have led this period to be described as ‘The Golden Age of York’ and ‘The Halcyon Years’.  The city had particular importance to certain kings:

Edward I (1239-1307)

Edward gained the nickname 'Hammer of the Scots' for his campaigning North of the border.  Like many others, he used York as a base for battles with Scotland.  For a while Edward even moved the centre of national government to York.      Read more...

Edward II (1284-1327)

Edward I failed to conquer the Scots.  His son Edward II often visited York in the early years of his reign to meet the threat from Robert Bruce, king of Scotland from 1306-29.      Read more...

Edward III (1312-1377)

Edward III had very strong links with the city.  Like his predecessors he managed wars with Scotland from York, but he also held Parliaments here and even held his wedding at the Minster.   Read more...

Richard II (1367–1400)

Richard II visited York on a number of occasions and granted the city greater freedoms and privileges.  Most importantly, in 1396 he gave the city its most significant royal charter, which promoted it to the status of a county in its own right: ‘the county of the city of York’.    Read more...

Richard III (1452-85)

One of England’s most infamous monarchs, Richard III had close connections to York and Yorkshire.  He visited the city several times as King and was sorely missed by the citizens when he was deposed and killed by Henry Tudor.    Read more...

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