Course:History 344 Nasty Families/Regions/Yorkshire/History of Yorkshire
Yorkshire, which is now split into three distinct and independent counties, was the largest shire in England – today North Yorkshire holds that distinction.[1] The etymology of the name York, shire simply meaning county, stems from the Viking word Jorvik, which is in fact a derivative of the Anglo-Saxon name Eoforwic.[2] Yorkshire as a Northern region really did not retain prominence, at least in terms of regional politics, until the days of the Roman Empire. During the Roman occupation of Britain York, like few other “vulgar” regions, was a fort of some import, used as a tangible means for Rome to control the barbarian north.[3] As Rome began to collapse York had developed into a major provincial center, one of the few places in England that was home to a Bishop from Rome representing the recently constituted religion of Christianity.[4] As Rome collapsed on itself, England was abandoned to its own fate. However, Christianity remained behind as the lingering off again on again religion of Northumbria, truly relying on the whims of whatever King may be in power at the time.[5] By the 9th century Yorkshire had seen a number of kings rise and fall, but as was the nature of Yorkshire, a vulnerable community stretching over a vast amount of coast line, it fell victim to a rising tide of Viking raids.[6] These Viking raids, which happened all around England, worked to severely inhibit the ability of the country to govern itself and undermined the legitimacy of whomever happened to be king.[7] In 866 AD Yorkshire was invaded by a large number of Vikings who subsequently colonized the region of Northumbria, which lasted until William the Conqueror, a Norman Duke, defeated Harold, a Viking King, on October 14 1066 AD, and established himself as King of England on Christmas day,[8] a symbolic gesture to say the least.
Previous to 1974, Yorkshire was England’s largest county and made up 1/8th of its whole territory.[9] York became a important administrative center of Yorkshire county, and it also became an alternative residence of the royal government.[10]It was abundant in a variety landscapes. In fact William Camden wrote, “Yorkshire had everything-woodland and forest, fertile flood plains, high barren moors, industrial and rural market towns, coastal fishing villages, a major fortified port at Hull, and the kingdom's second city and capital of North at York.[11] Being such a vast county it was unlikely for anyone to be called a “Yorkshireman”. [12] The distances and difficulties of travel were far to great to permit anything beyond local conciseness. [13] Yorkshire also was a stop for royalty. On his journey South to claim his new crown James stayed at York.[14] This allowed Yorkshire to becomes the halfway point between two united kingdoms.[15] However, Yorkshire was not only home to royalty, but criminals as well. The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 had many Yorkshire associations. Guy Fawkes was born in York, as well as two other leading conspirators the Wright brothers, Jack and Kit. [16] Today York is still a beautiful tourist spot. It has magnificent hills, amazing gardens, and a very rich history. However, York now has a special glory in its chocolate factories because it is the father of the beloved chocolate bar “The Kit-Kat”. [17]
References:
- ↑ David Simpson, "About Yorkshire: The Yorkshire Ridings", Yorkshire, http://www.yorkshire-england.co.uk/About_Yorkshire.html.
- ↑ Simpson, "About Yorkshire.".
- ↑ Simpson, "About Yorkshire.".
- ↑ David Simpson, "Anglo-Saxon Yorkshire 450AD - 866AD", Yorkshire, http://www.yorkshire-england.co.uk/KingdomofNorthumbria.html.
- ↑ Simpson, "Anglo-Saxon Yorkshire."
- ↑ Simpson, "Anglo-Saxon Yorkshire."
- ↑ Simpson, "Anglo-Saxon Yorkshire."
- ↑ David Simpson, "Viking Yorkshire 866AD - 1066AD", Yorkshire, http://www.yorkshire-england.co.uk/VikingNorthumbria.html
- ↑ Simpson, David. http://www.yorkshire-england.co.uk/.
- ↑ Simpson, David.
- ↑ Simpson, David.
- ↑ Binns, Jack. Yorkshire in the 17th Century. Pickering: Blackthorn Press, 2007.
- ↑ Binns, 42.
- ↑ Binns, 42.
- ↑ Binns, 6.
- ↑ Binns, 6.
- ↑ Binns, 45.