Enjoy a glimpse of history through old images of York, North Yorkshire, England, UK.
The ancient city of York draws in millions of visitors every year. With streets packed with historic buildings, a large local population and a nationally renowned Railway Museum, it’s no wonder footage of the city has been recorded many times through the past century.
Bygone York
This short film, made by York-based Yorkshire Film Archive (YFA), was made for Yorkshire Day 2019.
Archive footage from across many different decades and locations, pulled together for a snapshot of city events over the past century and more.
Posted to YouTube by TheYorkMix
City Of York in the 1930s
In the 1930s, Pathetone visited the ‘City of the Legions’. You’ll be struck by how quiet the streets and walls are.
Footage includes
- Clifford’s Tower, the now-ruined keep of the medieval Norman castle
- Walmgate Bar, built at the time of King Edward I (Reign: 20 November 1272 – 7 July 1307)
- The Shambles, mentioned in the Domesday Book (completed 1086)
- The city walls, built between the Roman Era and the 14th Century
- The Cathedral of St Peter, known as York Minster
- The River Ouse
Posted to YouTube by British Pathé
York’s Piccadilly (1938)
This footage starts with the busy roundabout at the statue of Eros in Piccadilly, London. Then it transfers to Piccadilly in York.
“That’s why you’re gazing all goggle eyed at Piccadilly, York” observes the commentary.
We see the city walls, and the medieval gateway he says is known as the Fisherman’s Foster. Then we see an older married couple outside their home above the 750 year old city arch in Castle House. The English and French coat of arms sits near their window. What a shame the cameraman didn’t film inside!
Posted to YouTube by British Pathé
York in 1970
Lovely crisp images filmed on a sunny day from several city centre locations. The Mayor and other dignitaries process outside the Minster. Lots of people turned out to watch the River Pageant, which transfers to land.
When you see the costumed dancers on the street, look out for the granny with a megaphone! More entertaining dancing, this time in a cellar, thanks to the enthusiastic man in a jacket and the women wearing giant floppy hats.
York in 1970, UK in HD from 35mm – Posted to YouTube by thekinolibrary
York in 1979
In 1979, Judith Chalmers visited the city for an episode of ‘Wish You Were Here’.
She starts at the North York Moors National Park, just outside Helmsley, to take in the beautiful rural landscape. In Helmsley itself, every single pedestrian in the market square has somehow manoevered their destination near the camera. All the cars seem tiny. The police station is already a cafe, showing how early the loss of local bobbies occurred.
Next she has a look at Rievaulx Abbey. Then she visits the Rievaulx Gliding Club, whose club membership ranged from 12 to 73 year olds and was 80% male. A one week gliding course cost £50-£60 and the one week of full board was £66 low season and £76 high season.
The Perpendicular-style 15th century church of St Michael’s in Coxwold is next. Then a quick glance at Hutton le Hole before stopping at the 300 year old Coachman Inn at Snainton, whose selling point seems to be that it was part of the Useful Voucher scheme! Next she’s at Castle Howard – which doesn’t take vouchers.
Just when you think she’s never actually going to get to York, the city finally appears!
At the end of the 1970s, 2.5 million people a year visited the historic city, so Judith recommends avoiding the crowds by visiting out of season. For context, by 2018 annual visitor numbers had risen to 6.9 million people.
York Minster, the city walls, and Kirkgate in the Castle Museum all appear.
An offseason weekend stay at the Royal Station Hotel, including bed, breakfast, ‘service’ and second class return rail fare from London, costs £27.80. No, there are no missing zeros in that sentence! However, there was VAT on top of that, in the days before the stated price must include all costs.
The group gathered for the ghost walk looks hilarious, all dressed up in big ties, cravats, and flares.
1970s York | Yorkshire | The city of York | Wish you were here? | 1979 – Posted to YouTube by ThamesTv
More Old Pictures of York
If you’re on Pinterest, you may be interested in my Pinterest Board of old photos and pictures of this ancient and historic city.
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/LocalHistoryVideos/york-old-photos-pictures
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Enjoy a glimpse of history through old images of York, North Yorkshire, England, UK. The ancient city of York draws in millions of visitors every year. With streets packed with historic buildings, a large local population and a nationally renowned Railway Museum, it’s no wonder footage of the city has been recorded many times through… Read more: Old Images of York, England - North Yorkshire: Local History Resources
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