Have You Ever Wondered About the Ancient Cities Beneath Your Feet?
Have you ever walked through a city and wondered about its past? In the United Kingdom, we’re surrounded by settlements so old they predate history books. Some of these places have been cities for so long that their origins are lost in time. They’ve seen empires rise and fall, survived invasions and witnessed the birth of nations. Today, we’ll explore ten of the UK’s oldest cities—places where the past feels alive, even if the details are fuzzy.
But first, let’s clear up what makes a city in the UK. There are two types. The first are cities with an Anglican cathedral, a status granted by ancient rights. The second are towns that applied for city status, a practice that began during Queen Victoria’s reign. Today, we’ll focus on the first group—cities whose origins are shrouded in mystery, thanks in part to the Saxons’ less-than-meticulous record-keeping.
For context, the oldest UK city with a clear founding date is Durham, established in AD 995. But the cities we’re about to explore are far older, their beginnings obscured by the mists of time. Let’s take a journey from north to south, uncovering the stories of these ancient places.
1. York: A City of Many Names
York’s story begins in AD 71 when the Romans founded a settlement called Eboracum at the meeting point of the Rivers Ouse and Foss. They built it to control the local Brigantes tribe and it quickly became a key military and administrative centre. In the fourth century, Emperor Constantine the Great was declared Roman Emperor here—a moment that changed the course of history. By AD 314, Eboracum had its first bishop, marking the arrival of Christianity.
When the Saxons arrived in the seventh century, they renamed the city Eoforwic, meaning “wild boar settlement.” The suffix “-wic” suggests it was a trading hub. In 601, Pope Gregory sent missionaries to convert the British to Christianity and York became the church’s northern headquarters. By 735, it was an archbishopric, a centre of religious power.
Then came the Vikings. In 866, they captured Eoforwic and renamed it Jorvik, making it their capital in Britain. Today, York Minster, consecrated in 1472, stands as a testament to the city’s layered history. From Roman fort to Viking stronghold to medieval marvel, York has worn many hats—and each has left its mark.
2. Bangor: Wales’ Oldest City
Nestled in North Wales, Bangor traces its roots to the sixth century. Saint Deiniol founded a monastery here, becoming the first Bishop of Bangor in the Kingdom of Gwynedd. The name “Bangor” comes from the Old Welsh for “wattled enclosure,” a humble beginning for what would become Wales’ oldest city.
The cathedral, built on the site of the original monastery, has seen its share of turmoil. It was destroyed by King John during a raid on Gwynedd in the 13th century but was later rebuilt. Today, Bangor Cathedral stands as a symbol of resilience, its history woven into the fabric of Wales.
3. Lichfield: A Saint’s Legacy
Lichfield’s story begins with Saint Chad, who made it his bishop’s seat in the seventh century. After his death in 672, it became a pilgrimage site, drawing visitors to the Saxon church that marked his resting place. The Normans began building the present cathedral in 1195 and its triple spires—unique in the UK—are a striking sight.
Lichfield’s history is deeply tied to its role as a religious centre. From Saint Chad’s time to the present day, it has been a place of faith, learning and community.
4. Worcester: A City of Mystery
Worcester’s early history is a bit of a puzzle. Saxon settlers found an old Roman fort and named it Weogorna Ceaster, though the meaning of “Weogorna” is unclear. In the seventh century, the first cathedral was built, making Worcester the seat of the Bishop of the Hwicce, a tribal kingdom that once ruled the area.
With Viking invasions, Worcester became a fortified settlement, or “burh,” as King Æthelred and Lady Æthelflæd sought to defend Mercia. The cathedral we see today spans styles from Norman to Perpendicular Gothic, a testament to centuries of craftsmanship.
5. Hereford: A Frontier City
Hereford’s name likely means “army river crossing” in Old English, a fitting title for a city that has seen its share of conflict. In the seventh century, Bishop Putta established the first cathedral here, laying the foundation for Hereford’s religious significance.
The Normans began building the current cathedral in 1079 and it remains a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Hereford’s history is one of resilience, a city that has weathered invasions and emerged stronger.
6. City of London: The Heart of History
The City of London, often called the Square Mile, is the historic core of the capital. It has been inhabited since Roman times and its walls once marked the boundaries of Londinium. In the ninth century, Alfred the Great rediscovered the old Roman fortifications and turned them into a Saxon stronghold against Viking attacks.
The first cathedral dedicated to Saint Paul was built in the seventh century, though the current St. Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Christopher Wren, rose after the Great Fire of 1666. The City of London is a living reminder of the capital’s ancient roots.
7. Canterbury: Where Christianity Took Root
Canterbury’s history begins with the Cantiaci tribe, who gave their name to Kent. The Romans established Durovernum Cantiacorum here, a bustling trading centre. In the sixth century, the Jutes founded the Kingdom of Kent, with Canterbury as its capital.
In AD 597, Saint Augustine arrived to convert the locals to Christianity, becoming the first Archbishop of Canterbury. Despite Viking attacks and fires, Canterbury Cathedral became the heart of the English church. The martyrdom of Thomas Becket in 1170 turned it into a major pilgrimage site.
8. Wells: England’s Smallest City
Wells, England’s smallest city, gets its name from the wells in the cathedral and Bishop’s Palace grounds. It likely began as a small Roman settlement, but its rise to prominence came in the early eighth century when King Ine of Wessex established a minster church here.
The Diocese of Wells was founded in the early 10th century and though it later moved to Bath, Wells Cathedral remains a jewel of Gothic architecture. Its history is a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.
9. Winchester: The Ancient Capital
Winchester was once the heart of England. Its roots trace back to the Belgic tribes and the Romans established Venta Belgarum here. The Saxons renamed it Wintanceaster, meaning “Fort of Venta,” and it became the seat of the Bishop of Wessex.
Alfred the Great was crowned here in AD 871, making Winchester the capital of Wessex and later a unified England. Winchester Cathedral, begun in the late 11th century, is one of Europe’s largest cathedrals, a fitting monument to the city’s storied past.
10. Exeter: A City of Resilience
Exeter’s story begins with the Romans, who founded Isca Dumnoniorum in the first century AD. After their departure, the Saxons settled in the ruins, calling it Exanceaster, meaning “fortress on the River Exe.”
Viking attacks led to fortifications by King Æthelstan in the 10th century. Despite being plundered in 1003, Exeter rebounded. Its cathedral, founded in 1050, is a testament to the city’s enduring spirit.
A Journey Through Time
These ten cities offer a glimpse into Britain’s buried beginnings. From Roman roads to Viking raids, they’ve weathered wars and witnessed wonders. Each city, with its own unique story, contributes a chapter to the grand narrative of the United Kingdom.
Next time you walk through these ancient streets, take a moment to pause and ponder. Listen closely. You might just hear whispers from the past echoing beneath your feet.