Theme: York: Pathways to the Past
Learn about York's rich history and its remarkable people, take a tour of the city's prize-winning buildings or handle excavated pottery. Prepare to be inspired by York's very special heritage and culture.
What's on
York Design Awards: Winners Presentation
York Design Awards promote excellence in architectural design and conservation in the York area. Good sustainable design and conservation support the city’s special heritage and contribute to the well-being of its residents and visitors. Join us for the 10th annual York Design Awards presentation in categories covering residential, community and commercial buildings, and open spaces.
Story Zone: Voices in the University
The Story Zone shares tales of the role that York St John University has played in the life of the city over the past 175 years. An interactive display, it includes interviews, anecdotes and narratives from York residents, alumni, staff and students. Come along to hear some of their stories, speak to the researchers, or take your place in the Story Zone chair and share your thoughts on York St John.
Biblio-trek: Walking York’s Print History
Go back in time and experience the bookshops, libraries and newspapers of seventeenth-century York. From the old bookshop signs on Stonegate, to the site of the York’s first newspaper press on Petergate, York was a thriving centre for print in this period and the city is littered with signs of its print past. Everybody is welcome on this fascinating walking tour of York’s print and book history.
The York Historical Atlas Explained
With nine pages of superbly informative plates, and 11 exquisitely detailed maps based on the 1852 Ordnance Survey map of York, the York Historical Atlas presents a unique overview from Roman to modern times. Editor Peter Addyman, former Director of York Archaeological Trust, will describe working with a team of expert colleagues to create the Atlas, and its significance for understanding the history of our city.
Burials at St Benet’s
In 2015 Arts Council England funded new research into York Archaeological Trust (YAT) excavations of the Swinegate area of York in the 1980s and 90s. A number of exceptional artefacts were found, belonging to the cemetery of the lost church of St Benet’s. Hear from YAT’s Jane McComish and Steve Allen about the background to this fascinating dig and the new discoveries that continue to be made.
Keeping Time in a Georgian House
Revolutionary advances in timekeeping during the Georgian Age gave the world new ways to measure time. An affluent society demanded accurate timekeeping to regulate their activities, making the ownership of a clock not just a luxury commodity but also a necessity. Join John C Taylor, one of the world's most renowned inventors and a leading expert on the work of John Harrison, as he explores the keeping of time in the Georgian House.
Mint Yard Lecture: Time’s Anvil
Join Professor Richard Morris, author of the highly-acclaimed book Time’s Anvil, as he casts fresh light on three quarters of a million years of history in the place we now think of as England. Long-listed for the Samuel Johnson Prize in 2013, Time’s Anvil explores archaeology’s influence on what such stories say, how they are told, who tells them and how we listen.
Turning Back the Clock
Join York Archaeological Trust curators for a guided tour behind the scenes at the YAT store and travel 2000 years back in time from the Victorian era to Prehistory. Hear new stories about the history of York based on their latest research into some of the archaeological treasures in their collection.
Turning Back the Clock
Join York Archaeological Trust curators for a guided tour behind the scenes at the YAT store and travel 2000 years back in time from the Victorian era to Prehistory. Hear new stories about the history of York based on their latest research into some of the archaeological treasures in their collection.
Story Zone: Voices in the University
The Story Zone shares tales of the role that York St John University has played in the life of the city over the past 175 years. An interactive display, it includes interviews, anecdotes and narratives from York residents, alumni, staff and students. Come along to hear some of their stories, speak to the researchers, or take your place in the Story Zone chair and share your thoughts on York St John.
Eric Milner-White (1884-1963): A Most Remarkable Dean
Explore the life, career and personality of York’s most remarkable 20th century Dean, Eric Milner-White, with this day of discussion. A fine scholar, liturgist and writer of prayers, he served as Dean of York from 1941 until 1963. He controversially restored the Minster’s medieval windows, was a discriminating collector and energetic in civic affairs.
Where is York’s Lost Amphitheatre?
Where did the Roman gladiators fight in York? Join us for an event akin to X-factor meets Time Team as we try to find out. Competing teams will dig deep in their knowledge of the city to come up with some genius ideas of where York’s amphitheatre might lie. You decide which suggestion gets to be investigated further!
A Century of York on Film
Look back on a century of York life captured on film with highlights from the Yorkshire Film Archive’s collection. From women singing on the Rowntree’s production line, to day-trippers strolling along the city walls, to royal visits and the celebrated mystery plays. Enjoy a delicious Bettys’ cream tea, served with tea or coffee.
Pottery in Archaeology: Changes Over Time
Meet Anne Jenner, York Archaeological Trust’s pottery expert, for an illustrated talk on pottery found in York. Handle some excavated pottery, ask questions - and even bring along items for identification at the end of the session.
Fish ’n' Ships: Fishing Through Time
Did you know that York is knee-deep in fishbones? Join us to find out how archaeological scientists use these to understand fishing in York. Watch Demo Chef Phil Leverington demonstrate how a Medieval cook would have prepared fish - and try some for yourself! Touch archaeological fishbones and take home your own colourful fish.
