York the Great City

"George VI observed that the history of York is the history of England and this single phrase most accurately captures the appeal of this great city. York is one of the few cities in the British Isles that has retained so much from earlier times.  At its heart it remains a medieval city, but there is clear evidence too of Roman, Viking, Saxon and Norman occupation. Georgian elegance abounds. The Victorians brought change and stamped their mark on the shape and fortunes of the city. The twentieth and twenty-first centuries have introduced some significant new buildings. As a result, York has seen a constantly changing cityscape and yet at the same time remains remarkably constant. It has popular tourist appeal as well as being a great place to live and work. York-based author and photographer Chris Gee has spent four years on foot, exploring every quarter of this fine city. There are the obvious attractions: York Minster; Clifford's Tower and the Shambles, but there are lots of hidden backstreets that can reveal wonderful overhanging medieval buildings, and numerous and fascinating snickets, ginnels and alleyways. There is wonder in the detail too, from old shop signs and street furniture that have somehow survived the ages, to the remains of a Norman house, the foundations of a Saxon church and old Roman walls.  Hidden gems combine with stirring spectacles, to reveal the greatness of York, in this magnificent new book that covers every aspect of this stunning city."