Step Into The Past ~ York, England
“Discover how to visit the past and bring yesterday's stories into our lives today” - Gillian Hovell
I am not quite sure how to bring yesterday’s stories into our lives today but you will definitely take a huge step into the past when you arrive in York England one of the best preserved medieval cities of today.
Danes came, saw and conquered. Unlike the scary tales of rape and pillage that you hear about the Vikings they settled here in peace and renamed the city Jorvik. There is a Viking exhibit that takes visitors through the sights, smells and sounds of life in York under the Vikings but the line to get in was so long that I gave up the thought.
Wander through the boutiques nestled in the post card pretty 13th century timber buildings of the Shambles, stop for a spot of tea and cakes and just soak in the atmosphere even as you reflect at the history that goes back to William the Conqueror.
Pay the fee and step into the magnificent York Minister one of the finest examples of a Gothic church. This two thousand year old church is definitely a revelation as you gawk at the beautiful work particularly the stained glass windows. Have fun taking selfies leveraging the strategically placed mirrors. There are volunteer docents giving you tours inside the church, that you can take advantage of but fair warning some of them are very long winded.
Clifford’s Tower built to subdue the rebellious north by William the Contqueror has been a royal mint, a medieval stronghold and a civil war garrison. In 1190 one of the worst anti Semitic massacres of the Middle Ages took place here when the local Jewish community was trapped here by a violent mob and either committed suicide or were murdered by the mob.
The tower is newly renovated making it safe for people to walk around and obtain unrivalled views of the city. Despite it being exactly opposite my hotel, it was a hard pass after an afternoon spent wandering the Minister and other parts of the city.
The Shambles, UK’s most historic and picturesque streets was the model used by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling for Diagon Alley and even today boasts of “The Shop That Must Not Be Named” complete with it’s parking for broomsticks on the outside.
This street is so old that it was apparently mentioned in the Doomsday book while the overhanging timber-framed houses that still stand today are a remarkable reminder of the city’s past.
This sagging timber house dates back to the early 1500s. It was bought by the then mayor Sir Thomas Herbert in 1557 and then subsequently became a gin shop. In fact it is currently being renovated to house a Gin shop again. Next door is a pub called the Golden Fleece which is reputed to be haunted. In fact they regularly conduct ghost tours here if you are into that sort of thing.
This shrine is dedicated to Margaret Clitherow also known as the Pearl of York who was pressed to death on the charge of harboring catholic priests. She was canonized in 1970 as a saint by Pope Paul the VI.
Outside the York Minister. Even if you feel you can’t do another church you must do this one. It is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture. This cathedral stands on its own. I have included some of my favorites here but there is so much to admire that I might do a separate post on the interior.
The Chapter House. I just sat here and filled my eyes and my soul with the beauty that this picture barely does justice to.
The Organ. I was fortunate to be in the beautiful Quire with its divine acoustics when the bells rang. I can only imagine what it would be like when the organ is played.
On my way out I stopped by Little Shambles with it’s street market selling all types of goods. Thank God! I’ve been traveling a long time and have learned to resist buying things.
One of top ten things to do in York according to the Great Britain travel site is enjoy a traditional high tea. It might not have been super traditional but I had the best tea and scone especially since this was my first scone with clotted cream and jam on this trip to England.
A button shop! who would’ve thought. I couldn’t resist stepping in and looking at all the myriad possibilities? Almost made me want to take up sewing so I could buy some. Hmmm! some times shopping is hard to resist. Now I have buttons in search of an outfit.
I have seen this concept with umbrellas in many places recently. I think its kinda cute especially when you see a medieval skyline. While this picture does not show the view of the church tower there is one depending on the exact angle.
I am bouncing on my feet looking forward to Gretna Green and Edinburgh on the morrow. Stay tuned…..