Why did I choose York and the greater Yorkshire area as the setting for this series? That’s an easy question to answer. Quite frankly, the scenery is absolutely stunning! Anyone who either lives there, has visited on a holiday, either to see the coastline or has chosen to spend time in the national parks will agree. Whether you want to wander on the moors, with its rugged beauty, or trek up the North Sea coast, you would not be disappointed. Stepping into the urban areas brings with it a sense of grand history with many a story to tell.
The city of York itself has a history that spans a multitude of empires and influence. The Romans fortified York. The Vikings came after, making the city a prime location under the Danelaw. The Wars of the Roses, between the Yorkist and Lancastrians brought yet another significant chapter into the city’s history. What this has left behind for the modern era is a place rich with architectural features, from the imposing medieval city walls to the incredible York Minster and the picturesque Shambles, where you can navigate the cobbled streets, lined with buildings constructed hundreds of years ago. Guy Fawkes, of Gunpowder Plot fame, was born and raised in the city. You can eat a meal in the house of his birth. Likewise, if you’re willing to search for it, you can visit the grave of Dick Turpin, the legendary Highwayman, in the cemetery of a church that no longer exists.
York is far from just a tourist destination. The blend of history and modernity is reinforced with a vibrant culture, assisted by the well-regarded University and those who work and study there. As if to highlight the blend of old and new, the university is a leader in UK robotics research. Other urban centres are also of note, perhaps not as large or well known internationally as York but have a draw of their own. Whitby is on the coast, a fishing port with its narrow streets and ruined Abbey overlooking it, from the headland above. In between you will find countless market towns, such as Helmsdale, with their stone buildings, traditional facades and, quite often, a medieval castle or two that are well worth a visit.
Head south and you reach Sheffield, a city that I have spent a great deal of time in and have many friends who live there. Another university town, it has a strong cultural appeal with an industrial history recognised around the world for the quality of the steel products it manufactured. The tree-lined residential streets set it apart from any other city of its size, in the UK, with the urban sprawl forced to accommodate the greenery, rather than pave over it in the usual fashion as is often the way. At least, this is the case as I write.
Greater Yorkshire is made up of four counties and has a population that isn’t far off matching that of Scotland. The scope that I have with which to set any number of stories is vast. If you haven’t done so, and get the chance, spend some time here. It may have the same effect on you as it did on me.