In the medieval city of York, in county of North Yorkshire, northeast England

 "Heaven take my soul, and England keep my bones!"

-- William Shakespeare
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(in One of northern England's most popular tourist destinations) The medieval city of York, long the ecclesiastical capital of the Church of England, boasts one of the country's magnificent cathedrals. Its largest medieval church, York Minster can trace its roots back to the spread of Christianity in the 3rd century, though the present Gothic structure was built some 1,000 years later. Other highlights of a visit to York Minster include seeing its spectacular 14th-century stained glass windows, plus the richly decorated interiors of the choir and north transept. You'll also want to visit the crypt, which contains parts of the original 11th-century church the cathedral now stands on.

+York also boasts a number of major museums, the most popular being the National Railway Museum. Highlights of this museum's vast collection include many fine old steam engines dating as far back as 1820, plus a unique collection of Royal Trains. The museum also offers an excellent afternoon tea experience in the historic Countess of York railway carriage, which is bookable in advance.

+ The city of York in the geographic county of North Yorkshire, lies at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss, about midway between London and Edinburgh. It is the cathedral city of the archbishop of York and was historically the ecclesiastical capital of northern England. (York is also the traditional county town of Yorkshire.)

+ The Romans occupied the site in 71 CE and built a fortress and wall. Under the name Eboracum, the settlement served as the Romans’ northern military headquarters until they withdrew about 400 CE. Anglo-Saxon rule later followed. In the 7th century Paulinus became the first archbishop of York, and Edwin, king of Northumbria, built a church where the present Minster stands. The Danes conquered York in 867 and retained it as their Northumbrian capital. (The city’s present name was derived from the Danish Yorvick.)

+York suffered severely in William I’s conquest of northern England. Part of the city was demolished, land was flooded, and two defensive castles were built to subdue the north. In time the city revived and prospered as a wholesale commerce town, dealing especially in wool. (The York cycle of 48 mystery plays, performed by York’s medieval craft guilds, survives.) The city was incorporated in the 12th century and for a time was second only to London in size and importance. York’s Cathedral (Minster) of St. Peter, the largest Gothic church in England, was built between the 13th and the 15th century. Other medieval buildings include the Guildhall, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, St. William’s College (1453; founded for chantry priests), and many more.

+ Let York Minster draw your gaze towards the heavens. (One of York’s great treats is how often, when turning a cobblestone corner or squeezing down an age-old alley, one bumps into its soaring cathedral, York Minster.)