As part of the York 800 celebrations, the University of York are offering a range of one-off learning events exploring the history and heritage of the city. 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 – but how much do you know about the city and its unique history and heritage? 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.
More details can be found at http://tinyurl.com/York800-Uni
Ekphrasis: Re-imagining the Mansion House
On the actual 800 year anniversary, we will offer an opportunity to visit the Mansion House, engage with the many artefacts it holds, and produce a piece of creative writing based upon the experience. This half-day session will offer a ‘creative jumping-off point’, and by the conclusion, it is envisioned the group will have produced a range of poems and short prose pieces based on the Mansion House’s collections.
Shakespeare’s York
Did Shakespeare ever visit York? And if he did – what would York have looked like through his eyes? We will investigate Shakespeare’s early life and the intriguing connections with the city of York and King’s Manor. We will also explore Shakepeare’s York including Margaret Clitherow, King James I’s visit to the city in 1603 and an intriguing case in 1609 where a performance of a Shakespearean play resulted in gentry closely associated with the city being imprisoned for treason!
The Siege of York: the Last Attack on the City Walls
Discover the story of the Siege of York in 1644. Using maps and contemporary accounts we will discover what it was like to live in a city under siege and how the walls were breached on 16 June, as well as the final submission of the city. This session includes a tour of the sites breached.
Henry VIII’s 1541 Visit to York: Progresses, Pageants & Adultery
Discover the story behind Henry VIII’s visit to York in 1541, the thwarted plans of the corporation to welcome Henry in elaborate style and how he humiliated the city. The visit was also the setting for illicit trysts between Katherine Howard and Thomas Culpepper which led to her downfall and execution in 1542. This session will include an afternoon’s stroll following the route of York’s planned pageantry to welcome to the city.
Visions of York
This day school looks at the ways York has been represented in old films and photographs, from factory life to social occasions. Join us for a day exploring York’s visual past and how it has changed in the 20th century. And after the day school, why not capture your own images of York in 2012 for posterity?
Hidden Histories, Secret Places
Discover York’s Hidden Histories and Secret Places. This session will start in the historic setting of the King’s Manor, located in the heart of the city with an overview of the Hidden Histories of York from the Medieval period to the 20th century. The afternoon will include a guided tour of the city, including the ruins of the medieval abbey and hospital, the Guildhall and Grape Lane, to name a few highlights.
Medieval York: an Archaeology of Power
This session will use Archaeology to explore what life would have been like c800 years ago. We will consider how Medieval power shaped the city, examining surviving aspects as well as features now lost. We will discuss some of the archaeological finds and take a walk around the city, visiting some of the key Medieval survivals, as well as some hidden gems and less obvious features. Please note this session will involve substantial walking.