The Great Tours: Experiencing Medieval Europe Season 1 Episode 7 York?Wool and Prayer

The Great Tours: Experiencing Medieval Europe season 1 episode 7 explores the English city of York during the Middle Ages. Host and historian, Dr. Luke Travels, takes viewers on a journey through the city's history, beginning with its origins as a Roman fortress and continuing through its transformation into an important religious and commercial center in medieval times.

The episode delves into the importance of wool in medieval York's economy, as the city became one of the largest exporters of wool in Europe. Dr. Travels visits the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, a beautifully preserved building that was once the center of the wool trade in York. The hall was also a place of worship for the merchants and their families, and Dr. Travels discusses the significance of religion in their lives and the ways in which it influenced their business practices.

To further understand the role of religion in medieval York, Dr. Travels visits the magnificent York Minster, one of the largest gothic cathedrals in Europe. He takes viewers on a tour of the cathedral, showcasing its stunning architecture and intricate stained glass windows that tell stories from the Bible. Dr. Travels also provides insight into the role of the church in medieval society, including its political power and influence.

In addition to its wool trade and religious significance, York was also renowned for its literary culture. The episode explores the life and work of one of York's most famous writers, Alcuin. Dr. Travels visits the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey, where Alcuin was educated, and discusses his contributions to the cultural and intellectual life of York and wider Europe.

The episode also highlights the importance of music in medieval York, with a visit to the National Centre for Early Music. Dr. Travels discusses the history of medieval music and its role in religious and secular life, and viewers are treated to a performance on medieval instruments by local musicians.

Throughout the episode, viewers are transported back in time to experience the sights and sounds of medieval York. From the bustling streets and markets to the quiet majesty of the cathedral, The Great Tours: Experiencing Medieval Europe season 1 episode 7 showcases the rich and varied history of this fascinating city.