Britain's Most Historic Towns Season 1 Episode 2 Viking York

In season 1, episode 2 of Britain's Most Historic Towns, viewers are taken to the ancient city of York to explore its Viking history. Presenter Alice Roberts delves deep into the centuries-old streets to discover how the Vikings shaped and influenced the city we know today. In the episode, we learn about the Vikings' invasion of York in AD 866, and the lasting impact they had on the city.

Roberts visits the Jorvik Viking Centre, where she gets a glimpse into Viking life in York through an interactive experience that includes a reconstructed Viking village and a ride through the streets of Jorvik. She also meets with archeologists who are uncovering evidence of Viking occupation in the city, including a rare find - a Viking-age toilet.

As she walks through the streets of York, Roberts talks to locals who share their stories and knowledge about the Viking history of the city. She visits St. Mary's Abbey, where she learns about the Viking's conversion to Christianity and the impact it had on the city's architecture. She also visits the ruins of the Viking fortifications, which would have protected the city from raiders like the Vikings.

Throughout the episode, Roberts emphasizes the importance of understanding history in order to appreciate the present. She explains how the Viking influence is still evident in York today - from the street names to the language spoken by locals. She also notes how the Vikings' influence on trade and commerce helped make York the thriving city it is today.

Overall, season 1, episode 2 of Britain's Most Historic Towns is a fascinating and informative exploration of Viking history in York. With beautiful shots of the city and informative interviews with historians and locals, it's a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Great Britain.