In the mid 8th century, York was made the capital of northern England by the Vikings shortly after their invasion. During Viking rule, the city was known as Jorvik and it prospered due to trade. The Vikings stayed for less than a century, as they were defeated by the King of Wessex in 954. Well into the 11th Century, York experienced many local rebellions and invasions from Norway.

The period after Viking rule saw York become prosperous again. Trade developed rapidly and its importance is reflected in the Merchant Adventurers Hall and the Guildhall. During this period, the Minster was rebuilt and the Archbishop of York became the second most powerful religious figure next to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In the current day, York is known for many things, including shopping. There are over 2000 shops in the city in different shopping areas such as Coppergate and the Shambles. Coppergate has many high street shops such as Marks and Spencer and the Body Shop. The Shambles is York’s oldest street with shops housed in timber frame buildings. Shops include Sweet Treasures, one of the last remaining traditional sweetshops, and L’Antica Locanda, which sells Mediterranean food.