York Warnings Or Dangers Tips by DAO

HEDGEHOG KILLERS !!!!

This is a Reliant Robin. Yes it is a car. Yes it is a car with 3 wheels. Invented in the 1970’s this odd little vehicle has a reputation for killing small, cute, little hedgehogs. Just think about it. With a 4-wheeled car Mr. Hedgehog may actually be passed OVER by the car instead of squished into road pizza by the tyres. Mr. Hedgehog doesn’t stand a chance with these little cars. The front wheel will mash anything the rear tyres don’t manage. Bummer for Mr. Hedgehog.

By the way these things can do 80mph (129 kph)! Not necessarily a grand idea on a vehicle that could flip more easily than a normal car. Before you laugh at these odd cars or react in horror at the wildlife killing abilities – consider this:

They pay less road tax because of the small engine and they can have air-conditioning and good stereo systems. They also will cost you less to buy than a nice new 4-wheeled car, get VERY high road mileage and petrol costs more than $8 a gallon here.

Hmmm…..maybe I won’t kill THAT many.

Website: http://www.3wheelers.com/robin.html

TRAFFIC WARDENS

York is not a car friendly city. It is a nightmare to drive and park in. Car parks operate 7 days a week and the Wardens do too. If you think you can park somewhere for free, even for just a few minutes, forget it. You will be fined and/or clamped. There is no holiday from this misery. Car parks are frighteningly expensive as well. If you plan on driving to York, take a lot of coins with you.

The only good thing is you can now pay via a mobile phone if your time starts to run out and you are not near the car. You need to set up an account here:

http://www.verrus.com/corporate/index.htm

Website: http://www.york.gov.uk/parking/

RISK OF INVASION

The York Tourist Information will not tell you this, but you could be caught up in a hostile invasion of York during your visit. The city has a long history of being invaded!

The Romans invaded York in AD43, At the time the area was ruled by a confederation of Celtic tribes called the Brigantes. In AD71, the Roman
invaded "Brigantia" and set up a permanent fortress called "Eboracum". This was just the beginning of trouble.

Around AD400 the Roman legions were withdrawn to protect Gaul. A little over 100 years later the Germanic tribes (Anglo Saxons) showed up looking for trouble. They followed tradition and conquered York. The city was renamed "Eoforwic", seat of the kingdom of Northumbria, and ruled by Anglo-Saxon warlords. The Warlords decided to get into a bloody civil war.

The Vikings lead by Ivar the Boneless took advantage and captured York in November 866. The Viking King Halfdan renamed the new city "Jorvik".

King Eadred of Wessex decided he too wanted to attack York. He ejected the last Viking ruler of York, Eric Bloodaxe, in 954. In the years 1056-66 York changed hands after a local rebellion, Norwegian invasion and finally the defeat of the Norwegians by King Harold II of England. Harold took York. Unfortunately he died 3 weeks later trying to stop the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.

William captured York in 1069 and built 2 timber castles to keep on eye on the locals.

In 1297 William Wallace (Braveheart) of Scotland DID NOT capture York.

Although the York fought in the Wars of the Roses (1453 - 1487) there was not a great impact on York. Its wall are still intact. Lancaster’s walls are missing. Guess who won.

York supported King Charles I in the English Civil War when it started in April 1644. Bad choice. The Parliamentarian army laid siege and the city surrendered in July 1644. Fortunately the town was not burned to the ground.

It has been quiet for the most part since then, but just watch out for invaders while you are here.