Ancient Beginnings

The city was founded by the Romans in 71AD and was the capital of Britannia Inferior which was an area covering much of northern England. However, archaeological evidence dating back to the Mesolithic era showing that people settled in the area around York between 8000BC and 7000BC.

When the Romans settled here they built a wooden fortress above the River Ouse, which was home to around 6000 soldiers; the remains of the fort are beneath York Minster, the city’s famous and magnificent cathedral which was built in 1408.

York Minster, England, UK by Peter McDermott

A pinnacle moment in York’s history was 1068, two years after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when the people of the city rebelled, but their success was short lived when they were crushed upon the arrival of William the Conqueror.

Confectionary

The north of England is famous for its industry, it was the engine room of the British Empire generating wealth from wool, cotton and steel.

Even now you can see the hallmarks of that glorious past, and it still has an industrial heart with new factory openings and investments hailed as another step back to the glory days. York’s contribution to the influence of the north was not in the heavy industries or textiles, but was in chocolate.

As far back as the late eighteenth century the city has eight confectioners for a town that just has 17,000 people living in it. Even now, the Nestle Chocolate Factory produces millions of sweets, and many of the city’s chocolate loving people have had family members work in the world famous factories of Rowntree, Terry’s, and Cravens.

However, the wonderful confection is not just for the sweet tooth, it played an important part in the survival of the famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

In 1909 Shackleton led an expedition to the South Pole. Sadly the expedition was abandoned just 97 miles from the pole, and while they abandoned many of their supplies, including dozens of bottles of Scotch whisky, they did return with a now famous tin of Rowntree’s Cocoa which now has pride of place in the York Castle Museum.

The Smell of the wonderful brown stuff permeates through every nook and cranny, with York Hotels, hostels and B&Bs, just a stone throw away from the sort of sweet shops you can only picture in fantasies.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/qqyyk-york-marriott-hotel/

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Tower of London, UK by Fernando Nunes

The Hour Before Midnight

It is the ghost of Henry VI that haunts the Wakefield Tower. Henry met his death on the 21st May 1471, murdered ‘in the hour before midnight’ as he knelt in prayer. This quite tragic and ineffectual monarch is believed to have met his death at the hands of the sinister Duke of Gloucester, being stabbed repeatedly in what was by all accounts of the time, a frenzied and brutal attack, with his body being describes as being ‘full of deadly holes’. It’s on the hour before midnight, every year, on the anniversary of his death that he reappears, his spectre is said to pace around the inside of the Wakefield Tower until, when midnight finally strikes he fades away.

The White Lady

The cold stones of the narrow and winding corridors of the great tower are the haunt of the White Lady. She has been seen waving to visiting children from a window in the tower, who eagerly waved back at her from an opposite building. Most haunted residences seem to have a white or grey lady but this one is different. With the white lady of the tower you smell her approach, as the air is said to fill with the pungent aroma of cheap perfume, which is especially noticeable around the area of the entrance of St John’s Chapel, the scent is so strong that it has been known to make staff and guards retch.

Tower of London – St. John’s Chapel, UK by Nick Mehlert

The Screaming Countess

Out of all of the men, women and children that met their death here, either through murder or execution, one of the most alarming ghostly visitations is that of the Countess of Salisbury, Margaret Pole. Sentenced to death at the respectful age of seventy two by Henry VIII, as an act of vengeance towards Cardinal Pole, her son, she was sentenced to be executed on May 27th 1541. The Countess refused to kneel at the block, stating that to kneel would be to assume the role of a traitor, which she was not. The executioner unfazed by her refusal wielded his axe at her where she stood; she tried to flee for her life but was literally hacked down as she ran. This incredible scene is not replayed every year but it has been seen, and heard on many occasions by the guards and staff that work in the vicinity of where the scaffold and block once stood.

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Buckingham Palace & Queen Victoria Memorial / shining.darkness

Once checked into one of the many hostels London has to offer, head straight to the most popular royal site in the country, Buckingham Palace. Surrounded by beautiful parks, a visit to the Queen’s residence goes well with a picnic. Buckingham fountain sits in front of the palace gates, where every day or every other day at 11:30 a.m. depending on the time of year, crowds gather to watch the changing of the guard. If you’re in town September or August, you can even go on a guided tour of the state rooms inside. Otherwise, don’t miss the royal mews or the Queen’s Gallery royal collection of art.

The next best royal site, or the best, according to some, is the Tower of London. It ranks among the most imposing fortresses in the world, and its history as a locale of torture and death make its renown decidedly infamous. It was built by William the Conqueror, the Norman who changed the history not only of the island, but of the English language as well. You can take tours of the castle grounds, visiting, among other things, the crown jewels, the king’s royal bedchamber, and the tower itself.

Tower of London / S Pakhrin

Throughout the city you can find a number of memorials to royals who have passed away set up in London’s royal parks. The city boasts eight royal parks, including Hyde Park, wherein you will come across Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. It is a sobering memorial, particularly when you’re reminded of the great misfortunate that befell one of England’s most loved and youthful royals. Another memorial that you’ll find in a royal park, this time the Kensington Gardens, is the Albert Memorial. Albert was wed to Queen Victoria, and passed away in the year 1861. Hopefully you’ll visit it on a sunny day, which emphasizes the gloriousness of the memorial’s gold sheathing. Before leaving Kensington Park, visit the palace of the same name and have a cup of tea at The Orangery.

Finally, before your trip takes you out of London, immerse yourself in the lushness of Hampton Court Palace. The grounds are one of the palace’s most attractive features, as it is over 60 acres of gardens, including the world-famous maze. Henry VIII of the Tudors made this palace famous, and he made it his principle home. The state rooms are truly magnificent.

The list of royal beauty goes on, but this should get you started!

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by DAVID ILIFF

The London Eye

This attraction is a really great way to see the city (and a lot cheaper than a helicopter ride) and on a clear day you can see as far as 25 miles, but even on a not so clear day the views over London are still stunning. It’s the world’s largest observation wheel and takes about 30 minutes to do one revolution. If tickets are booked in advance they cost from £15.00 per adult but concessions are available for children and OAPs. If you turn up on the day expect to pay from £25.00 per adult, no concessions, and if you fancy it you can either hire an entire capsule, which can hold up to about 25 people.

Tower of London

Situated on the northern side of Tower Bridge (an attraction in its own right) this iconic building houses far more than just one sight for its viewer. The Tower of London is known for holding the crown jewels, but it began life as a show of power under the Norman invader, William the Conqueror. The tower then went on to become a prison to Sir Walter Raleigh and even two of Henry VIII’s wives. Entry to the tower costs from £18.00 per adult or £47.00 for family made up of two adults and up to 6 children. For those who fancy a good pint and some food afterwards cross Tower Bridge and about 50 metres down the road is a great pub on the left hand side called ‘The Draft House’; ask them for their pork scratching’s, they’re amazing!

Shopping

For those of you who love high street shopping nowhere comes as famous as Oxford Street. If you fancy more designer wear then Regent Street runs immediately across it. For those who love something a bit more alternative and niche, without having to go far, then Carnaby Street, which runs immediately parallel to the East of Regent Street is a fantastic experience; it’s Christmas decorations and lights are also always something to behold.

There are so many things you can do in London but the three above provide a good range of things you could do all in one or two days, depending on how much shopping you intend to do!

Why not spend your bank holidays 2012 seeing the sights of London; however, if you plan to go early in the year check, when do the clocks go forward? You don’t want to miss your flight!

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But where should you go and what should not be missed? There is so much to do you can’t cram it into one trip. Well to help you along here are my top five recommendations.

1) Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837 and is the current residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Though much of it remains private the state rooms are open to public view during the summer season. It will also play host to the Royal family during the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, where they will stand on the balcony and wave to well wishers immediately after their wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by shining.darkness

Read more about Buckingham Palace here.

2) The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster Abbey, as it is also known, is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English monarchs. It is a place steeped in history and one that is well worth a visit – though don’t forget it is closed to the public when hosting special events so don’t try and sneak in to see Will and Kate tie the knot!

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hyougushi

Read more about Westminster Abbey here.

3) The Tower Of London and Tower Bridge
Another one of the City’s iconic buildings find out all about London’s grizzly past (and watch out for ghosts!) at the Tower Of London and the nearby Tower Bridge. The Tower was founded by King William the Conqueror in 11th Century and has served as, among others, a royal palace, fortress, prison and place of execution. The crown Jewels are also stored here and the ghost of Anne Boleyn, beheaded in 1536 for treason against King Henry VIII, is said to walk around the tower carrying her head under her arm.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Edwin Lee

4) London Eye
If you are lucky, and get to the wheel during a clear day you can see up to 50 kilometres far. It provides you a great view of Westminster and Buckingham Palace. This attraction is very popular among tourists, so during the visit you should count with the long queues, but also a strong inspection of you and your bag.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Martie Swart

You can read more about London Eye here.

5) Wembley Stadium
Ok, football may not be for everyone but if you are a sports fan the Wembley Stadium – the home of English football – should not be missed. The iconic twin towers were demolished in 2000 along with the rest of the aging stadium and have been replaced with a state-of-the-art 90,000 capacity arena. There is though a museum detailing the history of the ground and English football in general, well worth it.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Martin Pettitt

6) Endless Museums – for free
Even if you saved cash by booking your accommodation at Hotels.com and were savvy with your tourist cash. If your wallet is still a little light then don’t fret, there are endless other things that can be done for free. Not least London’s excellent collection of Museums such as the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, Tate Modern and the National Gallery – all with free entry. There are also endless parks and green spaces dotted across the city if you are lucky and visit London on those rarest of days – hot and sunny!

7) Trafalgar Square & Nelson’s Column
Trafalgar Square is located in Westminster and commemorates the victory in the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place in 1805. In the middle of Trafalgar Square stands Nelson’s Column, which is surrounded by fountains and four huge bronze statues of lions. Trafalgar Square is the vibrant heart of London and the best starting point for exploration of its central part.

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Windsor Castle dates from the 11th century. Originally it was built of wood by William the Conqueror in 1070, as the protection of western routes into London. Over time, Windsor Castle has been rebuilt several times. Most buildings were built during the reign of King Henry II. and Edward III.

In the 20th of the 19th century King Henry IV. adjusted some of the buildings. In 1992, Windsor Castle suffered a devastating fire which broke out during the maintenance work in the ceremonial chambers. Today, the area is restored again.

The oldest building, which boasts the Windsor Castle is the wooden Round Tower, built by William the Conqueror. In 1170 the tower was rebuilt to a stone one, and remained so until now. In the Round Tower there is now a royal archive and photographic collection.

Probably the biggest gem of Windsor Castle is St George’s Chapel, built between 1475 – 1528, in which are the remains of 10 kings. St George’s Chapel is one of the finest examples of late Gothic style in England.

Windsor Castle is now the main residence of the Queen and her family, but it is also open to the public and is a very popular tourist destination. The length of the guided tours in interiors depends on the presence of the royal family in the castle. For safety, all the visitors have to pass the inspection. Windsor castle offers the tours every hour, but most visitors are viewing the site separately with audio-visual guides that are available for free.

Windsor Castle has, just like any major office, its own guards, that change regularly, which is also very popular attraction. The visitors are also attracted by the beautiful adjacent park suitable for relaxation after a demanding tour of the castle.

Windsor Castle is a real gem and certainly worth seeing.

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