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....

Hidden Gems

Check out the Hidden Gems Tour on the Telltale Tours App if you want to discover some less well known treasures the city has to offer. Here is a taster of what you could uncover....

Herbert House

Named after Sir Thomas Herbert, this remarkable Tudor house is one of York's best examples of property dating from Tudor England. Find out when the first documentary evidence of the house dates from and which famous monarch is rumoured to have dined at the house....

                                               

Fairfax House

Completed in 1762 and given as a gift from Charles Gregory, the 9th Viscount Fairfax to his only surviving daughter Anne... but why did the Viscount do this? Find out about the family's unfortunate history and Fairfax House's various occupations over the years....

                                        

Assembly Rooms

The hub of York's elite in the 18th century, the Assembly Rooms are where the richest of society would pass their evenings dancing and playing cards. It is now a restaurant but the grandeur of the magnificent function rooms can still be felt, especially inside where the decor is as elegant as ever! Find out which worthy architect was called upon to build this splendid host to York's finest....

                                                 

St Williams College

  Residing in one of the most picturesque areas of York and built upon some of the oldest foundations to be found in York. St William's College dates back to 1461 and is named after the former Archbishop of York William FitzHerbert...St Williams College is a must see. But why was there so much controversy surrounding the death of St William? Where is his tomb? Find out the mysteries surrounding the former Archbishop....

                                                

Goodramgate

Found on one of the oldest streets in York....a street used for commerce for over 1000 years! No 45 is not the oldest property situated on this beautiful street but it is definately a property to be noted and admired. Dated around 1500, No 45 is of the classic tudor archecture. Also not to be missed on Goodramgate is Our Lady's Row, the oldest row of houses in York... but just how old is Our Lady's Row?

Jubbergate

No 4 is now a restaurant (well worth a visit if you are hungry!) but records indicate that this building was once home to 6 families! Once No 9 Jubbergate, the exterior of this building has changed greatly over the centuries. But what does the name Jubbergate mean? What can this tell us about the occupants of what was once No 9 Jubbergate....

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A short walk in York

There are so many things to do in York, especially on a warm (although rather windy) day! I went for a stroll around the ancient walls this morning, which is a great way to get some exercise as well as enjoying the beautiful scenery that York has to offer. Although I live here, I still could not help staring at the magnificence of the Minster or the immaculateness of the Dean's gardens with a gorgeous Cherry Blossom tree in bloom. I finished my walk by wondering through Dean's Park, enjoying the early morning sun as I went along...Perfect!