Conjure up York’s pre-Conquest past, from the Roman to early medieval era, as we walk the city streets in the company of archaeologist Ailsa Mainman
Explore layers of history in York Minster’s Undercroft, including a stunning display of Roman walls and frescoes, Anglo-Saxon and and Viking grave markers
Enjoy an exclusive private viewing of Roman, Anglian and Viking Age artefacts excavated by York Archaeological Trust
“What I love about walking through York is knowing there’s 2000 years of history beneath my feet. The layout of the streets, the position of the markets, the churches and churchyards – this odd corner, that quirky passage – they all have a reason to be where they are and tales to tell”
– Tour Director Ailsa Mainman
Boasting a rich and diverse history, York traces its origins to the Roman period, when it was founded as a military fortress. Thriving under Roman rule, Eboracum developed into the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, complete with an array of public and private buildings and a bustling economy.
As we roam along the city walls – which have encircled York for two millennia – we will unearth the city's multi-layered past in the centuries leading up to the Norman Conquest. While much is still visible above ground, still more will come to life through Tour Director and expert archaeologist Ailsa Mainman’s vivid illustrations and insights, revealing sites of Roman activity, pre-Conquest castles, churches, Viking Age streets and townscapes that echo with the voices of these vanished communities.
Highlights include the Roman Multangular Tower, the lost churches of Anglo-Saxon Eoforwic, and the ancient Viking age streets and alleyways which evoke scenes from York’s early past and allow us to envisage the city’s growth and development.
Following the Romans’ withdrawal, York became a prominent ecclesiastical centre during the Anglo-Saxon era, when the construction of St Peter’s church (forerunner of York Minster) played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in Northern England. The cathedral’s Undercroft houses remarkable Roman remains including walls and frescoes highlighting the development of the site from a Roman military headquarters to a Romanesque and then Gothic cathedral. Closely connected to the cathedral is medieval Bedern Hall, once part of the College of the Vicars Choral.
By 866 CE, Northumbria’s internal conflicts had created an opportunity for the raiding Viking army, who captured the city and renamed it Jorvik. York continued to develop and became the capital of a powerful Viking kingdom in England with thriving crafts, a diverse economy and widespread trade routes. At the incredible Jorvik Centre, we will step into a reconstruction of the city during the Viking Age, before viewing displays of artefacts excavated nearby.
To complement these explorations, our tour takes in the Yorkshire Museum, home to a collection of Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Viking finds. Discovered in 1982, the museum’s superb Anglo-Saxon helmet – one of six known to have survived to the present day – is a particular highlight. Courtesy of York Archaeological Trust, we will also enjoy an exclusive private viewing session dedicated to a selection of historical finds from the Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Viking Ages.
We will stay at The Grand, York, a luxury five-star hotel. Built in the 1900s, this iconic Grade II listed building was the former headquarters of the North Eastern Railway and features elegant, characterful interiors and contemporary facilities. Ideally situated, The Grand offers a comfortable and welcoming base for our exploration of York and independent dinners.
Ailsa Mainman
Ailsa Mainman is a freelance archaeologist and writer based in York.
Tour Director Ailsa Mainman, BA, MSc, PhD, is a freelance archaeologist and writer based in York. Much of her career was spent at York Archaeological Trust, working initially on Viking Age discoveries, which led to the famous Jorvik Viking Centre, before moving onto Anglo-Saxon material. As Assistant Director, she oversaw various research and publications, before leaving to write Anglo-Saxon York and pursue a freelance career. Ailsa has worked on various excavations in Europe and lectured on tours throughout the Viking world. She is also an Honorary Visiting Fellow at the Department of Archaeology, University of York and a Research Associate at York Archaeological Trust
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£1995
PCYK-26
On request - please contact the office on 01223 841055 to enquire.
Included: accommodation based on sharing a classic twin or double bedded room, five breakfasts, one light lunch, one drink & canape reception, two dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, classic double room for single use supplement £400.
