Roman column, York

The Roman column in York, England, is a remnant of the city’s ancient Roman past, standing just to the south of York Minster. This monumental column dates back to the early 2nd century AD and once formed part of the headquarters building (principia) of Eboracum, the Roman name for York. Today, it remains one of the most visible and accessible pieces of Roman architecture in northern Britain.^[1][2]

York was founded by the Roman Ninth Legion around AD 71 as a fortress on the banks of the River Ouse. Eboracum soon became one of the most important military bases in Roman Britain, acting as the northern headquarters for both the Ninth and later the Sixth Legion. The principia, the administrative heart of the fortress, would have been a grand complex, and the column originally supported the basilica’s upper gallery or roof.^[3]

Roman emperors including Septimius Severus and Constantius I visited or resided in York, underlining its strategic importance. Severus used York as his base during campaigns in Scotland, and it was here that Constantius I died in AD 306, leading to the proclamation of Constantine the Great as emperor by his troops — an event that changed European history.^[4]

Centuries of rebuilding over the Roman fortress meant much of Eboracum lay buried. The column was rediscovered during major archaeological excavations beneath York Minster in the late 1960s, which were triggered by structural subsidence and restoration works. Led by the newly established York Archaeological Trust, the dig revealed extensive remains of the Roman headquarters and other artefacts.^[5]

In 1972, to mark the 1900th anniversary of York’s foundation, the column was re-erected outside the Minster in Minster Yard. It was carefully assembled using surviving drum sections mounted on a modern concrete plinth for stability. A plaque commemorates its reinstallation and its symbolic link to York’s Roman heritage.^[5]

The column stands about 9.5 metres (31 feet) tall and is constructed from eight cylindrical drums of Magnesian Limestone, a material widely used by Roman builders in the region. Its plain yet elegant design reflects its functional role within a basilica rather than a decorative temple. While the base is modern, the visible shaft is largely original Roman stonework, weathered but remarkably intact after nearly two millennia.^[5]

Close inspection reveals faint tool marks and signs of ancient repairs, which have fascinated archaeologists and conservators. The column demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship typical of Roman legionary engineers, who combined military skill with advanced architectural techniques.^[6]

The Roman column is protected as a Grade I listed structure and a scheduled ancient monument. It undergoes routine condition surveys by conservators from Historic England and local heritage bodies to ensure its preservation in York’s often damp climate.^[3]

The column is not only an archaeological artefact but also a symbol of York’s continuous urban story, connecting the Roman fortress to the great Gothic cathedral that now dominates the skyline. For local residents, the column represents the city’s layers of history, visible in the streets, walls, and buildings.^[3]

Each year, thousands of schoolchildren visit the site as part of the national curriculum’s Roman Britain topic, often sketching the column as an introduction to classical architecture. Local historians and volunteers with the York Civic Trust share its story through public talks, heritage open days, and community projects.^[3]

While the column itself has not featured heavily in popular culture, it has appeared in local literature, photography, and art as a motif of York’s deep past. It is also a favourite subject for artists sketching the Minster precinct. Visitors frequently pose beside it for photos that contrast the sturdy Roman stone with the soaring Gothic towers behind.^[7]

The column occasionally serves as a backdrop for community events held in Minster Yard, including historical reenactments and Roman-themed festivals organised by local heritage groups.^[7]

• York Minster
• Eboracum
• Roman Britain
• York city walls
• Yorkshire Museum
• Constantine the Great
• Septimius Severus