As each town has its characteristic features and peculiar advantages, we may ask what it is that constitutes the special attraction exerted by the city of York, not only upon those, who with more or less of appreciation dwell within its limits but upon its visitors. It would seem that if there is one thing which can be done at York better almost than anywhere else in the kingdom, that thing is the realisation of history. It is in this, above all, that the charm lies. A walled-in city offers grea

The Church was the dominant factor in the social life of mediaeval England. Bishops vied with each other in making their cathedrals more and more beautiful. Each person was anxious to do his share in helping on the great work of the Church. Kings used their influence to further building operations, nobles gave materials and money, whilst ecclesiastics worked diligently in the cause and set a good example to the faithful. Funds for the fabric were augmented by the granting of indulgences, penance

The charming abbey grounds contain within their precincts historic monuments and relics of the greatest interest. An angle-tower, with a portion of the wall that surrounded Roman York, recalls the struggle of the Brigantes with the armour-clad legionaries. Tacitus recounts how Caractacus, the gallant Silurian chief, after his defeat, sought the protection of Cartismandua, the Queen of the Brigantes, and how basely she betrayed him. The Romans, after their conquest of York, garrisoned the city wi