Telltale Tours

Telltale Tours specialises in creating the perfect package for any visitor to York.

The easy to use iPhone app will awaken the imagination by offering comprehensive audio guided tours of all the historical sites in York.

You can listen to your York audio guide whilst you stroll along the city walls, search for Roman and Viking remains, learn about York’s most notorious residents or tour the oldest York’s pubs, streets and churches, discovering forgotten stories of times gone by….

From Roman beginnings to Viking brutality; Guy Fawkes to Dick Turpin; York Minster to the Railway Station, Telltale Tours will reveal all.

This App also provides an interactive map of the city, informs you of upcoming events and attractions in York and even offers discounts on places to eat, stay and visit!

key features:

• Comprehensive audio guided tours
• Interactive map of York
• List of events taking place in York provided by My Destination York
• Things to do
• Places to stay
• Places to eat
• Discounts offering money off some of the best attractions and restaurants in York!

If York is your destination, you can rely on the York guide to show you the very best that York has to offer. This guide is not to be missed!


Telltale Tours.... Let's Explore
 

Use this link to download from the app store...

In the Shadow of the Minster

The vast York Minster stands out within the city of York, instantly capturing the eye and the imagination, making it easy to overlook other notable buildings which have become overshadowed by the Minster.

The Red House

The Red House offers some imposing views of the Minster and is not named after the paint on the walls, but for the red brick used to build it. The Red House was completed in the 18th century for the Lord Mayor Sir William Robinson who later became the MP for York. Today this beautiful and eye catching town house is the home to many antiques and you are welcome to look around.

  
York Minster


The Minster is the most stunning building in York. The huges cathedral dominates York's skyline and can be sighted from almost anywhere in the city. This stunning example of gothic architecture is the second largest of its type in Europe. The Minster id also home to some of the finest examples of original stained glass in a UK cathedral.

The Minster had a very humble beginning however, it began as a simple wooden structure hastily  built in 627AD to baptise Edwin, the future king of Northumbria due to a lack of christian churches in the area. The structure was rebuilt in stone a mere few years later and was dedicated to Saint Peter and this association has continued to the present day. Saint Peter is represented throughtout the Minster in the stained glass windows, with the finest example being found on the north side of the nave, where the Saint can be found holding a church in his hand to represent a 'universal church'. It is also believed that Saint Peter would have been represented in statues and sculpture around the Minster, but most of these will have been destroyed during Henry VIII's reformations. The wooden figure over the front did, however, survive.

The Minster fell into disrepair until 670AD when it was restored by Saint Wilfrid, with the addition of a school and a library in later years. The building was then destroyed by a fire in the 8th century and a new cathedral built with an impressive 30 alters.

Post 1066, following the invasion of William the Conqueror, his norman followers brought destruction to York and caused significant damage to the church on the site of York Minster, with the Danes causing further damage in 1075.

Finally, in 1220 AD, the Archbishop of York ordered the construction of a new cathedral to rival Canterbury in the South. The current building was finally completed in 1472AD, more than 250 years after construction began. Numerous rebuildings works have been neccessary since the Minster has been prone to fires.


Statue and Column


Outside the south transept of the Minster is the statue of the Roman Emporer Constantine the Great who converted to christianity in 312AD. This statue was introduced in 1998 to symbolise his conversion, with his broken sword shaped like a cross being a sign of religious symbolism. The Roman headquaters were situated at the site of the statue and across the road is a Roman column, found intact during excavation works in the foundations of the Minster.

  
 St William's College



College street is named after St William's College, which possesses some of the oldest foundations in York.The building dates from 1461when it was founded as a home for chantry priests, who were paid to perform masses for a specific purpose, such as for the soul of a deceased donor to the charity fund. The preists will have been based at the Minster.

The College was named after the former Archbishop of York William FitzHerbert, whose death in 1154 was surrounded by suspicious circumstances and who is burried in the Minster, with miracles supposedly taking place around his tomb. William FitzHerbert was cannonised by the pope in 1227.


The Deanery


This is the beautiful residence of the Minster's Dean, who, along with members of the Chapter, governs the Cathedral. The property was completed in 1939 with the purpose of providing a home for the Dean in close proximity to the Minster. The Dean performs services throughout the week and controls the Minster's finances and maintains the condition of the Minster.

The Pub Crawl through Time

York has an amzing variety of pubs and bars. This tour is a great way to get a feel for their history and for the stories surrounding the wide range of traditional pubs.

The Lamb and Lion

The Lamb and Lion is set in the most glorious of locations, with Bootham Bar standing guard. Yorkshire weather permiting, you may sit in the picturesque beer garden, flanked by the city walls, enjoying the pleasant scenary. Alternatively, the winding passages and sweet little rooms will provide you with all the comfort you could wish for, so discover the delightful hospitality at a pub which had to be rebuilt after a fire destroyed it in the 17th century.



Guy Fawkws Inn

You will know the story of the infamous villain who tried to blow up the king and the Houses of Parliament. Well, now you can enjoy a drink at the place where he was born. The historic heritage of the Inn is preserved inside, with timber fittings, gas lamps and open fires to inspire your imagination.




Ye Olde Starre Inn

This is considered to be the oldest serving public house in York. It may be hidden away down a small alley but nobody could miss the huge, decorative sign which spans across Stonegate. The building itself dates back to the 16th century, with it being registered as a public house in 1644.

So why is this pub hidden down an alley? It was not always, there was originally a coaching yard in front of the building, but this was replaced with shops during the railway revolution. With the building being so old, it is no surprise that there are a few ghostly tales to be told....



Punchbowl

The Punchbowl on Stonegate (not to be mistaken with the Punchbowl on Micklegate) is steeped in history. A building has stood on this spot for nearly 2000 years. The Punchbowl itself became a licensed pub in 1761, making it the fifth oldest pub in York. The most reputable customers of the Punchbowl were that of the Whig party. They were fond drinkers of punch, hence the name of this old watering hole.

The history is not all so sweet however, with two fires taking lives during the last two centuries, although their presence is still felt today, along with that of a murdered prostitute who pays a visit every now and then....



Roman Bath

The Roman Bath in York is a true rarity. You get to taste some great food and drink as well visiting the ecavated Roman baths. The Roman baths were discovered during renovation work to a previous tavern in 1930, however, the pub was only given its current name in 1970 to promote its unique museum.




The Old White Swan

The Old White Swan posses a beautifull and welcoming beer garden, as well as delightful food and drink. Once the meeting place for anti-catholic preachers, this pub is still believed to be the home of their defiant spirits, whom are said to gather around the fire place during the early hours of the morning, deep in discussion. A fireplace which has been known to light itself, having previously been extinguished by staff....




Black Swan

The building of the Black Swan dates from the 15th century when it was built for the merchant William Bowes, a popular man elected as Lord Mayor of York in 1428. Many of the original features still remain, such as the beautiful external gables, the jettied first floor and the open well staircase. The building became a public house in the 16th century. Since then it has provided some rather unconventional hospitality. Prior booking could see you enjoy one of the Black Swan's ghost suppers.



The Golden Fleece

This is probably the most famous pub in York and reputably the most haunted pub in the city, with uneven floors and stair cases which would cause the most sober person to feel drunk. The origins of the Golden Fleece are believed to date back to 1503, which is when the city's records first mention a pub on this site. The name is probably related to the Merchant Adventurers Hall on nearby Fossgate. The members of the Guild were known traders of Fleece and wool, as well as regular drinkers at the Golden Fleece.The number of spirits to be found in the building is thought to be between 7 and 15, with the most sighted being Lady Alice Peckett and a Canadian Airman.....





The Red Lion

The Red Lion on Merchantgate has foundations which date back to the 12th century. This pub will transport you back in time with it's original oak beams, traditional fireplaces and a wealth of books and trinkets adding to the historical atmosphere of the building. There is also a bread oven dating from the 13th century. The building underwent reconstruction in the 16th century, which is when many priest holes were added, with the aim of hiding catholic priests from persecution during the reign of Elizabeth I. The priest hole in the chimney on the first floor is believed to have been used by the notorious Dick Turpin when he was being persued by the law.....

Walk Along the City Walls

This tour is great for avid  walkers and those who appreciate the beauty of York's historic culture. If you have our app, Telltale Tours will reveal all....

Bootham Bar

Start at Bootham Bar, which has been used as a gateway into the city for nearly a staggering 2000 years! Originally made of wood and later rebuilt in stone, Bootham Bar was once a gate to the Roman Fortress of Eboracum. However, the Bar you see today is not the original Roman structure and it is believed that the earliest dated part of the gatehouse is in fact the external arch, which was completed in the 11th century. Bootham Bar looked very different just 200 years ago, since then certain features have been removed because the were no longer necessary, or added as decoration. The Bar has also been reconstructed over the centuries for a variety of reasons. Telltale Tours will give you the answer to everything you want to know.




Monkgate Bar

Not as old as Bootham Bar, Monkgate Bar dates from the early 14th century and is now the home to the Richard III museum. Originally the same height as Bootham Bar at three storeys high, a fourth storey was built in the 15th century on the orders of Richard III. Monkgate Bar has played its part throughout history, housing a certain group of prisoners and even playing a part in the Queen's coronation in 1953. This Bar has some important and interesting tales to tell....









Walmgate

Walmgate Bar has a very turbulent history and was once the primary target of the most severe onslaught to besiege the city. The Bar dates from the 12th century. The most dominating feature is the surviving barbican, which is the only surviving barbican on a town gate in this country. The Public Records Office provides information detailing the use of Walmgate Bar as a toll gate into York, with payment being collected here as early as 1280. 

As already mentioned, Walmgate Bar has a turbulent history. It first came under attack during the Northern rebellion of 1489, when rebels set the Bar on fire in protest against rising taxes. The Bar came under seige again in 1644, when the Parliamentarians launched a heavy assault against the city.....but were they able to breach the walls?




Red Tower

A short walk from the end of the last section of wall, which finishes at the site of the former Layerthorpe Postern, leads to a late addition to York's city walls. The Red Tower is a small and pretty 15th century building. Completed in 1490, the Red Tower was the first and only section of the city walls to be built of brick. This was a new method of construction for the period and is very likely the origin of the building's name. The Red Tower was formerly used as an oupost for ammunition storage and gunpowder manufactoring before falling into disrepair. However, there was controversy surrounding the Red Tower from the very beginning, with the building of this little, red tower being consumed by rivalry, murder and intrigue.




Fishergate Bar

Along the wall from Walmgate, this gateway into the city is of a smaller stature to the  four much grander main Bars. Fishergate Bar is a one storey structure which rises no further than the height of the wall. Dating from 1315, Fishergate Bar was the main entrance into York from Selby.  The Bar was set on fire during the Yorkshire rebellion of 1489 against Henry VIIs insistance on raising taxes. To prevent further damage to the Bar, it was bricked up until 1827, when it was finally reopened.




Fishergate Postern Tower

This is a rare example of a building that has remained untouched for over 500 years. Another Tower is known to have once stood in the current position belonging to Fishergate Postern Tower. It was called Talken Tower after the Lord Mayor of 1399, Robert de Talkan. Back then, the river Foss was much wider and use to lap at the edge of Talkan Tower.

The current Fishergate Postern Tower was constructed between 1504 and 1507 and was used as the replacement for the damaged Fishergate Bar. The only change made to this tower, was for the originally flat roof to be replaced shortly after the building was completed. An unexpected discovery was made near the Fishergate Postern....





Baile Hill

On proceeding onto the next stretch of wall, you can't help but notice that it quickly ascends to the top of a mound before wnding away. This tree topped mound is Baile Hill and the former site of the Old Baile, York's second castle.

The mound of Baile Hill is all that remains of the old Bailey which was built at the same time as York castle in 1068 on the orders of William the Conqueror, who wanted to secure a foot hold in the North. The design of the old Bailey was similar to the usual Motte and Bailey layout. Over the centuries, the site of the old Bailey fell into disrepair and we know from excavations that it was never rebuilt in stone, as only wooden timbers have been uncovered. Despite this, the old castle site was briefly used during the English Civil War in 1644, when it was used to house a gun emplacement.




Victoria Bar

Victoria Bar was opened in 1838 to ease traffic on the Nunnery Lane area of the city by allowing access to Bishophill through the city wall. This is therefore the city's newest Bar and the construction of Victoria Bar was supervised by the Railway King, George Hudson. During the construction, a Medieval gate was found to have existed, but it had been blocked with earth and stone. The reason behind this appears to be linked to the Northern Rebellion of 1569 against Queen Elizabeth I....




Micklegate Bar

Micklegate Bar was the entrance into York from the South, meaning it was the royal gateway into the city for any visiting monarch. The Bar is also famous for being the place where the heads of traitors were placed on spikes to discourage any rebellion or uprising. The name 'Micklegate' dates back to the Viking occupation in Yorvik, as the city was then known. The Bar was then named 'Mykla Gate', which is old Norse for 'Great Street'. This demonstrates the historical importance of this Bar.

Micklegate also had Roman beginnings, however, work on the impressive four storey structure you see today began in 1350. This Bar has a very colourful history, with the heads of the nobility being spiked on the Bar and sometimes left there for years....this happened many times during the War of the Roses.....





The Railway Arches

Shortly after departing from Micklegate Bar, York railway station comes into full view. From here, two large arches can be seen carving their way through the defences; these are known as the railway arches. The reason for these arches was to allow access to York's first major railway station. The Railway Arches were the idea of the Railway King  George Hudson. He had an entire section of the wall removed to lay the track for his new station before rebuilding it, to preserve the city's heritage.







Barker and Lendal Towers

Lendal Bridge which spans this section of  the Ouse River is flanked by Four Towers. The most noteworthy two of these are Lendal and Barker Towers, which lie next to the bridge.

Lendal Tower, on the eastern bank, dates from around 1300 and once formed part of the city's defences. It was once a completely circular shape, but this was changed during renovation works in the 1500s. Lendal Tower has had numerous functions over the centuries as well as being a defence outpost. It was also used, along with Barker Tower, as a means of providing a toll stop along the river, forcing boats to stop. This occurred after the completion of Barker Tower in the 14th century.

York's Railway Boom

A tour which provides insight into York's railway history - discover the events that led to the worlds biggest railway station....

George Hudson

The tour kicks off in Goodramgate, outside what use to be the drapery where the famous George Hudson once worked as an apprentice, but is now a National Trust Gift Shop. Born in 1800, Hudson would later earn the title the 'Railway King'. He would become the chairman for the York and North Midland Railway, bringing great prosperity to York, and ensured that York was included in the development of the major new railway line running from London to Newcastle. Furthermore, by 1844, the once draper's apprentice owned over 1000 miles of railway track in the UK.




Lendal and Scarborough Bridges

Constructed in 1863 by George Hudson, Lendal bridge allowed railway lines on the west of the Ouse to be more easily linked to the city centre in order to encourage trade and travel. Further up the river lies Scarborough bridge, created to connect the famous seaside resort to York by railway. The railway line  to Scarborough was completed in 1845. The head archetect was a man named Alfred Dickens, brother of the famous author Charles Dickens.




Tanners Moat

The west side of Lendal Bridge is now dominated by the large Aviva building, however it was once the Rowntree's factory on Tanners Moat that really stood out. The tour will explain the history of the Rowntrees and how the property on Tanners Moat allowed them to take advantage of the progressive railway network.









Railway Headquarters

Opposite the old station, on Station Rise and dating from 1906, is the former headquarters of North Eastern Railway which is now the Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa. The North Eastern Railway was formed in 1854 after a merger which saw the combination of four separate railway companies. The headquarters itself was designed by William Bell and Horace Field, who used their architectural skills to incorporate the history of the company in the structure of the building. The shields and badges symbolising the individual parties involved in the merger of 1854 can still be seen.





Old Rail Station

It was in 1839 that York's first railway station was completed, situated outside of the city walls on Queen's Street, but due to the rising demand of the railway, it was soon realised a new and bigger station would be needed. The solution was opened in 1841, with 2 platforms and serving the same line as before but allowing travel further north to Newcastle. However, this was a 'terminus' station, and with York being such a key destination, it was determined within a mere 30 years that an even bigger station was required.





Lutyens Memorial

Placed in what was once the hive of station life during the mid 19th century as York's previous train station. The Lutyens memorial is named after Sir Edward Lutyens, the man comissioned to complete the structure. The Lutyens memorial comemorates the 2,236 North Eastern Railway Workers who lost their lives during World War One.













The Station Hotel

Next to York's current railway station is the Royal York Hotel. Built in 1878, just one year after the completion of the station, The Royal York Hotel was open to aristocratic and industrial guests who could afford 14 shillings a night.









Railway Station

York's modern railway station is one of the busiest stations in the country. Copleted in 1877, it was the biggest railway station in the world with 13 platforms. The new design made travelling through York more convenient. The station has been remodelled over the years, which has seen the number of platforms reduced to 11.








National Railway Museum

Opened by Prince Philip in 1975 who represented the royal family at the event, the National Railway Museum is home to the royal carriages of previous monarchs. York was chosen as the destination for the National Railway Museum due to the city's history as the hub of Britain's railway industry, and it is now the most visited national museum outside London.



All information provided here is just a snipet of what you can discover through Telltale tours....Learn, Explore, Save...Enjoy!

Notable Citizens of York

Saints and villains alike have passed through the ancient walls of York leaving their mark upon the city.....

Guy Fawkes

One of the most notorius men in English history and born just behind what is now the Guy Fawkes Inn in 1570. Infamous for his catholic resistance against the monarchy, Guy Fawkes was not even raised a catholic....At the age of 21 he joined the Spanish army later becoming a master of explosives, a trait that would be be his undoing....





Saint Margaret Clitherow

The reign of Elizabeth I saw the execution of many catholics for their belief, one such sufferer was Margaret Clitherow. Although raised under the Church of England and married to a protestant, Margaret later converted to the Catholic Church. sentenced to death by crushing for harbouring priests, where can her shrine be found in York? In what year was Maragaret Clitherow made a saint?



Eric Bloodaxe

A resident of ancient Yorvik and born Eric Haroldsson, he joined the Viking crusades aged just 12. Son of the king of Norway, and later married to the daughter of the King of Denmark, his love for his wife is a stark contrast to his supposedly blood thirsty, savage leadership, known as the most ferocious of all the Viking lords....





Dick Turpin

Probably the most famous prisoner to be held at York Castle, Dick Turpin was a horse thief, burglar and murderer and was hung at Tyburn for his crimes. Discover the path this most notorious highway man took to ruin....





George Hudson

Once an apprentice at a drapery on Goodramgate, George Hudson eventually moved into politics when he joined the Tory party which led to his election as Lord Mayor in 1837. That same year Hudson also became the Chairman of the York and North Midland Railway Company. His rise led to Hudson gaining the nickname 'Railway King'. Find out how Hudson gained such a nick name....





Constantine the Great

Constantine the Great was in York when he was anounced Emporer of Rome. Born in 272 AD, he was destined for power as the son of Constantius, who ruled as Augustus until his sudden death in Eboracum in 305 AD. Proclaimed the new Emporer in Eboracum's Basilica, Constatine ruled from 306 until 337 AD.... but how did he earn the title 'the Great' ?




 William Etty

York's most renowned and celebrated artist, his life size sculpture stands outside the gallery amidst an array of fountains. Etty was born in 1787 to a family of bakers, for whom he completed his first piece of artistic work, the panelling of their shop. Discover Etty's path to celebrity....

Renowned Streets of York

York has many famous streets, steeped in history. The most famous of these can be visited using the Renowned Streets of York Audio Guide on the Telltale Tours App. So where would this tour take you? and what would you discover?

Coney Street

The name has been  changed over the centuries and this street is now one of York's main shopping destinations, however, the existance of Coney Street dates back to the Vikings in 1213 when it was named Cuningstreta, but what does that actually mean? What famous landmarks can be spotted on this now bustling street?







St Helen's Square

St Helen's Square is surrounded by an array of magnificent buildings, including St Helen's church which is where the square derrives its name from. However, although the view that meets the eye today is very pleasing, unfortunately the history of St Helen's square is not. What once stood in the place of the square? Which businesses have surrounded this square over the years? Many don't even exist anymore, although you should recognise their names....



Stonegate

Recently voted the second best street for shopping in Brittain, this beautiful street has ancient beginnings. Originally a major Roman road inside their fortres of Eboracum, Stonegate is now home to a range of popular shops prviding plenty of choice to all. The name Stonegate is thought to originate from 1118 AD. So why was this street given hat name? The history  of Stonegate is remarkable with the road being given many very different uses throughout its history.....



King's Square

King's Square has been the site of a church, a sheep pen and something much darker....but now a location for street performers, what dark past does this seemingly tranquil square hide....









The Shambles

The Shambles is world famous and York's oldest street. It is also the best preserved Medieval street in Europe! The origin of the name therefore naturally originate from Medievel England. So why is this delighful little street called the Shambles?...The clue is in the large window ledges! and what trade was the Shambles used for? The streets medieval name Fleshammels may help....or maybe the hooks hanging over some of the shop doors?

Voted the most picturesques Street in Brittain in 2010 the cobbled street where the roofs of the houses almost touch is not to be missed, maybe you will discover which famous, unfortunate inhabitant once lived here....

Newgate Market

Trading markets have be a tradition in York for nearly 1,000 years. It is therefore surprising to discover that Newgate Market was only established in 1955. Consisting of 110 stalls, Newgate market offer plenty of variety everyday of the year but three - Christmas day, Boxing day and New Years day.







Parliament Street

Parliament Street was created as part of a plan to renovate York's City Centre, but how long ago was this? The eye is instantly drawn to the fountain, which break up the avenue of trees. There are always people sitting on it, just watching the world go by....





Coppergate

Often referred to as the Coppergate Centre, this is another of York's popular shopping destinations. However, an amazing discovery in 1976 added a new dimention to Coppergate. Not only did the discovery add to the wealth of York's history, but it is also where Coppergate derrives its name....