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In the Muniment-room are kept the City Archives and
Charters, the most ancient dating from 1155, in which
reference is made to a former Charter granted by Henry I.,
but which has not been found. The Great Charter, conferring
the rights and liberties of the citizens, given at
Westminster, is dated the 18th day of May, 1396, and is
still in existence.
ARMS AND GOVERNMENT.
The Arms of the city are Argent—a cross of St. George,
gules, five lioncels of England passant guardant. The great seal
of the city has this coat of arms between two ostrich feathers
scrolled. It is said that the five lions were added by William
the Conqueror in memory of the five commanders who
defended the city so resolutely against him.
The Government of the city is vested in the Corporation,
which consists of the Lord Mayor, twelve Aldermen,
and thirty-six Councillors. There is also a Recorder,
SheriflP, Town Clerk, and other officers. The Councillors
are elected by the citizens of the six different wards into
which the city is divided, and have the power of selecting
Aldermen, from amongst whom the Lord Mayor is chosen.
Within his own jurisdiction he takes precedence of all
persons, except the Sovereign and heir presumptive, and
on all State occasions wears a scarlet robe and massive
gold chain. The Recorder has precedence next after the
Lord Mayor; his appointment is vested in the Crown.
York returns two members to Parliament.
The Police Station is in the Fish Market, High Jubbergate,
approached from Church Street and Parliament Street.
The fire engines and escape are under the control and
management of the Chief Constable.
THE CASTLE.
In Tower Street is the entrance to York Castle, a term
at present comprising the Assize Courts, Debtors' and
Convicts' Prison, Governor's house, and Clifford's Tower.
With the exception of the last-mentioned, the different
parts are, comparatively speaking, of modern erection.
It is probable that the Romans had a magazine here for
the storage of grain. In 937 the fortress was razed