The walled city of York is impressive. We arrived right below and to the right of this part of the ramparts at the bus/train station. About a 5 hour coach trip from London with views of farms, green, lush landscapes and sheep.
York has 2000 years of history tucked here in North Yorkshire, England. As my friend Jim says, "York drips with history as many significant history events happened here."
Founded in 71 AD by the Romans it was named Eboracum.
In the middle ages it became a major wool trading centre.
Ace Hostel hosts 136 beds in this beautiful restored home within the walls of York. Two nights we spent here exploring York.
No elevators so up we went to the third floor, up many, many stairs.
Micklegate Bar is the name of this four-story gatehouse. It was the traditional ceremonial gate for visiting Monarchs entering the city dating back to Richard II in 1389. There are four main gates, which unfortunately for us, we will explore the other 3 when we return.
This is a view of Micklegate Bar from the hostel. We begin our day here walking into the city via the city ramparts. A glorious day to be outside.
Heading up to the walls. Closed at dusk, makes sense to me since there are sections that you can fall off the wall.
The original walls were built in 71 AD by the Romans.
This view ahead of Debbie is of York Minster in the distance (the two towers) and the beautiful city.
Gorgeous.
An imposing sight as we walked up to the York Minster. One of the largest medieval cathedrals in all of Northern Europe. The origins of a church at this sights is dated 627 AD.
One of the world's most beautiful and awe-inspiring cathedrals.
Let's go in.
A young visitor entranced with the statues.
The ornate rose window is 50 feet tall. There are 128 stained glass windows in York Minster.
York has been renown for creating beautiful stainglass. This is the East entrance into the cathedral which the doors opening only on Sundays. Above it is the Great East window. Created in the 15th century at 76 feet tall it is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.
It is impossible to show how immense this building is. But at the same time, we also felt welcomed and sheltered in it. Not lost in the vastness.
On the left side of the picture below is the Five Sisters stain glass window that dominates the north transept of York Minster. This is the oldest part of the church. The window was completed in 1260.....impressive.
The Chapter House, is a building or room that is part of a cathedral in which large meetings are held. This one is where day to day business of York Minster was conducted. The photos of the stainless cannot do justice to the intricate workmanship or size, or effect when the sun shines through them.
Behind this arch is the choir room.
The choir room.
Debbie making friends. This Minister explained to us that when King Henry VIII had all the churches striped during his severing of Catholicism, his men charged into York Minster and took all the treasured items....but they missed one. He said to look up and there was a Virgin Mary plaque that is now secured above the entrance into the choir room.
The monks hid it for many years, covering it in clay as to not be found.
Deb is the only one worshipping today?
I thought this was interesting. It is decorations on a grave plot in the Minster but with names of some of my friends back home. Thomas, Watson and Wentworth......neat.
I found some of the decorations of these plots very curious if not a little humorous.
Obviously there was a beloved dog in this religious mans life.
East view of the York Minster. One word....massive.
A Bronze statue of Constantine I in York, near the spot where he was proclaimed Augustus in 306 AD.
The next 'One Direction' duo.....they were good. Rocking the streets on a Saturday in York.
Rock on!!
The Shambles in York are very narrow, cobbled stone streets, with buildings that look like they will tumble down any moment. Loved it.
In 1862 there were 26 butcher shops lining the streets.
Below is a gal making traditional curly cakes.
I read that back in the day, children would collect the scrapes of dough and wrap it around sticks and cook them over an open flame.
She rolls them in sugar before cooking resulting in the sugar caramelizes after which she rolls it again in sliced almonds and sprinkles it with cinnamon.
Delicious!!!
York University is located here. Walking across the bridge in the walled city, we spotted rowers practicing on the river. They were moving fast....almost too fast for my photo. I'm guessing an University team.
Lunch at the "Punch Bowl" consisted of cottage pie for two. Much like a shepherd's pie with lots of gravy and fresh veggies.
Oh oh.....busted.
But actually it was Debbie who pointed out the yarn store to me. She thinks I might need more to occupy myself. I think she is right. I knit all winter as a rule....I miss it.
I purchased a beautiful, soft yarn spun using wool from the Bluefaced Leicesters (sheep) raised outside of York. I also picked up knitting needles, I am ready to go.
A pub called the Golden Fleece, but look at the wee sheep out front decorating the pub.
The never ending fun of Christmas Jumpers.....
We are going to have to get some this week for New Years Eve and Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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