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The Shambles is one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe. Formerly known as ‘Fleshammels’ or ‘Street of the Butchers’, you can still see the benches and hooks used by the shopkeepers. The overhang of the buildings ensured that for the greater part of the day the carcasses were shaded from the sun. In fact, some of the upper storeys lean so close that you could shake hands across the street! At numbers 14 & 15 lived Margaret Clitherow, the Butcher’s wife. She died a horrible death in 1586 for the crimes of saying mass and offering refuge to priests, when both of these activities were illegal. She was later canonised by the Roman Catholic Church as Saint Margaret of York.

York had reached its zenith in medieval times and this is reflected in the fine examples of medieval architecture still remaining. Its position as the major English centre for glass painting is evident in the fantastic windows of the Minster and other ecclesiastical centres. It was after this time that York began a general period of decline. Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries was disastrous for York, which as an ecclesiastical centre employed many people.

It wasn’t until the Georgian era that York began to have a change in fortune, and is now renowned for its wealth of Georgian architecture. Of particular interest if Fairfax House, which contains classic 18th century furniture, ornaments and décor. York’s diversity as a city allows it to offer a full range of interests for the potential visitor. From ‘Ghost Walks’, visiting the haunted parts of the city, to museums covering every era of York’s history. The city’s development as a tourist centre in the past 20 to 30 years has been assisted by the essential character of the city. The atmosphere created by the ancient walls, architecture and the rich tapestry make York what it is today. And as King George V said, "The history of York is the history of England".

The County venues offer real value-for-money with rates that are generally lower than in the South of England. Friendliness and hospitality, coupled with value for money are what makes this region special. All this linked with professionalism and quality staff, makes Yorkshire arguably the UK's premier region for hosting meetings and conferences.

Situated halfway between London and Edinburgh, the county really is the UK's conference centre with fast, easy access by road and rail - just 90 minutes by train from London. Leeds Bradford International Airport and Humberside Airport offer both national and international destinations for easy access by delegates.

If you are looking for venues that are easily accessible and welcoming, along with the beauty and vibrancy of this diverse region, there is only one choice to make - Yorkshire !

Rebirth

Toward the end of 1215 Pope Innocent III brought a long and ill-tempered election process to an end by telling the representatives of the York Chapter that 'By Saint Peter, virginity is a great virtue; and we will give him to you.' The events of the next forty years were to reveal to the canons of York that chastity was only one of their new Archbishop's many qualities.