"Eoferwic was, and still is, the chief city of northern Englaland. It possesses a great abbey, an archbishop, a fortress, high walls, and a vast market. It stands beside the River Ouse, and boasts a bridge, but ships can reach Eoferwic from the distant sea, and that was how the Danes had come." - Bernard Cornwell (The Last Kingdom) from The Saxon Stories

My awareness of York (or Eoferwic) was primarily through literature, as illustrated in the passage. I had acquired only a vague understanding of the World Heritage label at this time (November 2007). In the 16 years since, my planning has certainly been influenced and enriched substantially by World Heritage travel. However, what led me to reserve my train ticket to York was the stories I had read.

Coming South from Edinburgh, I had a full-day to explore the city. While visiting the highlights of the "Historic Urban Core" my money quickly dwindled. In 2007 the exchange rate was equivalent to £1 per $2 (USD) and nearly everything in York seemed to have a sizable ticket price! I notice in 2023, the Visit York Pass is priced at £59, which seems reasonable if you plan a full itinerary (currently with a favorable exchange rate).

I prioritized the historic sites throughout the city that corresponded to various periods of York's rich history. Did I eat anything, a late breakfast, lunch? My poor travel companion! I cannot recall eating anything in York. Having visited only a few historic European cities by this time, I was not burdened by comparison. What was York's OUV and was its historic ensemble overrepresented? World Heritage terminology would have been lost on me. Yet, I could feel that York was special and mile after mile walking my appreciation for the city increased. 

Did I stand in front of The Great East Window in awe? No. I did not have the comparative knowledge to comprehend that this was one of York's great cultural treasures. Walking the nave of York Minster I was impressed by everything and increasingly worried about my bank account. I had just only recovered from my decision to pay the steep ticket for the Minster ONLY and not to pay extra and climb the Central Tower. Was I missing out I wondered as I passed the "largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the world". with only a brief pause? 

I wouldn't change a thing from my trip to York. It was part of the joy and good fortune of travelling in your early 20's. Years later, I learned more about the city's rich history through the lens of World Heritage. I hope one day to revisit after inscription.