History of York

Although the Norman invaders had a massive impact on York very little evidence of it remains standing. 

The three biggest Norman buildings - the cathedral, the abbey and the castle - were all replaced in later centuries.  The visible impact of William and his successors is mostly on the ground - in the layout of the city and the physical presence of the two castle hills.

So this arched window frame is a rare survival.  It's now to be found in the Hospitium building in the grounds of the Abbey but its original location is unclear.

The design is romanesque - a continental style brought over with the invaders.