YORK is one of Europe's most historic and picturesque cities. So it isn't surprising that, down the years, it has proved a popular subject for picture postcards. Tens of thousands have been published at one time or another celebrating the history and heritage of the city, says local historian Paul Chrystal.

Paul, an inveterate collector, includes something like 200 of them in his latest book York: The Postcard Collection.

OK, so in the scheme of things, 200 postcards isn't many, as Paul acknowledges in the introduction to his book. But it is enough, he says, to give a good outline of the modern history of the city.

We've got room for far fewer than 200 postcards from Paul's book here. In fact, we've managed to include only seven. But we hope you enjoy them...

The City Roller Skating Palace (top)

This was clearly an imposing skating rink: and it seems to have had its own tram stop, judging by the photograph. By the beginning of the First World war, however, it had become the City Picture Palace cinema on Fishergate - which was itself later to become the Casino and eventually the Rialto.

Fishergate bar, date unknown, workmen digging what looks like a drainage ditch

York Press:

At one time, chains ran across the River Foss from here to the castle as part of York's defences, writes Paul. The bar was blocked in 1489 after rebels damaged it in the Peasants Revolt. It was eventually reopened in 1827 to allow access to the Cattle Market.

The River King in 1900

York Press:

The postcard shows the popular pleasure launch about to set sail from near Lendal Bridge. Rowntree's first factory at Tanner's Moat can just be seen in the background. Lendal Bridge opened in 1863 to provide access to the new railway, replacing a ferry, Paul writes.

Rowntree's Wharf

York Press:

A barge is seen loading at Rowntree's warehouse (Rowntree's Wharf). The building was formerly the grain warehouse for Leetham's Mill in Foss Islands, Paul writes.

The Crescent Café and Danse (sic) Salon

York Press:

This opened in 1925, but didn't last for very long. By 1937, Paul writes, it had been replaced by the York Odeon, a typical Oscar Deutsche art deco 'palace for the people'.

Foss Islands generating station

York Press:

Taken in 1904 by William Hayes - the son of a Colliergate bootmaker who grew up to be perhaps York's pre-eminent postcard photographer - this postcard provides an unforgettable view of the electricity generating station that once stood beside Foss Islands Road.

York's 'old' railway station

York Press:

Built in 1841 on Tanner Row - ie inside the city walls - this was actually the city's second railway station. The first was a temporary wooden building on Queen Street (outside the city walls) that was opened in 1839 by the York & North Midland Railway, Paul writes. The second station was (the one seen in the postcard) was built by Robert Stephenson on land owned by Lady Hewley's charity almshouses. it was itself replaced in 1877 by a new station outside the city walls - the one we use today.

  • York: The Postcard Collection by Paul Chrystal is published by Amberley, priced £14.99