YOEKSHIRE. 



247 



in the western moorlands remained untouched, York was able to maintain its 

 commercial supremacy. It is only natural that the great north road, instead 

 of following the sinuosities of the coast-line, should take a more direct course at 

 some distance inland. Leaving the Fens around the Wash to the east, the road 

 descends the valley of the Trent, and then skirts the marshes, in the midst of which 

 the water of the Trent mingles with that of the Ouse. Having followed the latter 

 as far as the point where it turns abruptly to the south, it becomes necessary to 

 cross to the other bank, in order to avoid a long détour to the west. It was at 

 this natural crossing-place that the Brigantes had founded their capital of Ehurac, 

 or Ehorac, which subsequently expanded into Eboracum, the most important 



Fig. 120.- York, 

 «oale 1 : 286,000. 



54^ 





W.ofG \°b 



5 Miles. 



Roman colony in Britain. It was here Septimius Severus died in 211. The 

 political authorities of the Empire were in course of time superseded by the powers 

 of the Church. Early in the seventh century York became the seat of a bishop, 

 and subsequently of an archbishop, who disputed with his rival of Canterbury the 

 primacy of all England. York and London are the only cities in England whose 

 chief magistrate bears the title of Lord Mayor. 



A few Roman foundations may still be traced at York, but all Roman buildings 

 have disappeared, and the many curious edifices of the city belong to the Middle 

 Ages. A tower, built by William the Conqueror upon Roman foundations, rises 

 within the castle precincts, by the side of the modern County Court and gaol. 

 Ancient walls, nearly 8 miles in circuit, still surround the citv, and afford 



