The universal geography : earth and its inhabitants

YORKSHIRE. 247
in the western moorlands remained untouclied, 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 detour to the west. It was at
this natural crossing-place that the Brigantes had founded their capital of Eburac,
or Ebomc, which subsequently expanded into Eboracum, the most important
Fig. 120.—York.
Scale 1 : 286,000.
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political authorities of the Empire were in course of time superseded by the powers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 3 miles in circuit, still surround the city, and afford