York 800

As part of the York 800 celebrations, we are offering a range of one-off learning events exploring the history and heritage of the city.

What is York 800?

July the 9th, 2012, sees the 800th anniversary of York becoming a self-governing city. Back in 1212, King John signed the charter which allowed the people of York to collect and pay the annual tax to the Crown, hold their own courts and to appoint a mayor.

How much do you know about the city?

All of these sessions, offered in collaboration by the Centre for Lifelong Learning, and York Mansion House, are aimed at adult learners and will be held at key heritage sites around the city.

Please do join us as we look at how our fair city came to be the thriving hub we see today and find out a little more about the living history that underpins our lives each day.

York 800 sessions

Poverty, Plague and Cholera

Explore the city of York’s attempts to combat the symptoms and causes of poverty from the dissolution of the monasteries to the 19th century. How did attitudes to poverty change over time and how successful was York in eliminating poverty and improving living conditions? How did the city clean up the streets, middens and housing in an effort to prevent outbreaks of disease and unhealthy living conditions?

Gillian Waters

Day: Saturday
Start date: 24 November 2012
Time: 10am - 4pm
No. of weeks: 1
Full fee: £20.00
Venue: Council chamber, Guildhall

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A Tale of Two Cities! Dickensian York

Charles Dickens visited York many times, on his famous speaking tours and to visit his brother. Dickens was inspired by the Five Sisters’ window in York Minster and even based his character Mr Micawber on a York resident. Discover more about 19th century York through Dickens’ eyes; a city of great wealth and prosperity, but also crippling poverty.