This fine medieval timber-framed and jettied building, dating from 1461, is St. William's College which now houses the Minster Tearooms. It was built to provide accommodation for Chantry Priests and is the only surviving building of its kind in the country.

Walk through the archway in the front of St. William's College and you will emerge in this amazing courtyard.

If you buy some refreshments from the Minster Tearooms then, on a fine day, you could sit in this courtyard and admire this structure. Not to be missed!

The medieval Barker Tower, on the river's edge, was built in the 14th century. It was used in conjunction with Lendal Tower on the opposite bank to control river traffic entering the city.

A great iron chain was stretched across the river between the two towers and boatmen had to pay a toll to cross it. The chain also served as a defence for the city. This tower is also known as the North Street Postern Tower.

The ruins of St. Mary's Abbey in Museum Gardens date back to the late 13th century.

St Mary's was once the largest and richest Benedictine establishment in the north of England and the abbey was one of the largest landholders in Yorkshire until the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. The only other remains include the Pilgrims' Hospitium, the West Gate and the 14th-century timber-framed Abbot's House (now called the King's Manor).