York's bid for World Heritage City Status has begun with an application for inclusion on a list of potential nominations. This was submitted in June and now goes for assessment by a panel of experts before the final list is announced later in 2011. Proposals for UK nominations will then be submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2012.

York's application is emphasising its outstanding strengths in archaeology, in particular the quality of the archaeological deposits in York and the preservation of organic materials in waterlogged conditions. These archaeological deposits continually illuminate York's economic, social and cultural history as a city with a central role throughout British political, ecclesiastical, economic and social history - a key Roman legionary fortress, a great cathedral city, a Viking capital, a medieval regional capital, an 18th century social hub and a 19th century centre of industrial and scientific innovation.

Should York be successful in its bid, the inscription would confirm the world-class quality of the City's archaeology and it's hoped that its profile as a prime tourism destination will be raised even further, thereby attracting even more major economic benefit.

Prof Julian Richards, Head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of York says: "The archaeology of York provides exciting opportunities for teaching and research. The Department of Archaeology has played a key role in developing new approaches to heritage protection based upon York's unique potential."

Success for York would see it joining these sites plus a list of over 800 worldwide sites including iconic landmarks such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China and Stonehenge.

Why not come and stay in our historical city of York?