In 1915 Tate was commissioned by David Leith Presley, editor of the
York Herald newspaper, to draw a panoramic bird’s eye view of York as it looked in the 15th century. This was to celebrate the 20,000th copy of the
York Gazette, and was published in that newspaper on 18 May 1915. Tate’s pen and ink drawing showed the city with its castle and water-filled moat, and more than 40 churches within the city walls, and captured something of what the city would have looked like during its medieval heyday, including •
Ouse Bridge: Apart from two ferries, the medieval Ouse Bridge was the only river crossing for many centuries. The bridge survived until 1809 when it was demolished to make way for a new bridge which is still in use in today. The old bridge had shops, houses and other establishments built upon it. These included the ancient Chapel of St. William, the Council Chamber, the City Gaol and a Public Convenience. • The castle area, which shows
Clifford's Tower. • The
Priory of the Holy Trinity, which was until the
Reformation the second largest religious community in York, after the
Abbey of St Mary, •
Baile Hill viewed from the
Clementhorpe area. Edwin Ridsdale Tate was asked to prepare sketches of educational institutions in York, including
Elmfield College. ==Publications==