YORK MINSTER
We visited York City for a long weekend and chose a National Trust cottage just to the rear of York Minster.
York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals but sadly we couldn't enter the building because it was being used for graduation presentations and casual public access wasn't possible. Instead, we caught a double decker bus to take a very pleasant 1 hour journey to visit the spectacular Beverley Minster. You can see the images here
THE CITY OF YORK
We chose to stay at 20 Ogleforth and quote from the National Trust's website
"Built in the 16th century as part of a row of coach houses or stables, 20 Ogleforth is a perfectly-placed city retreat with the historic streets of York on its doorstep. The lovely, light rooms have both original beams and fresh, modern touches. From the comfortable sitting and dining room, you’ll enjoy views of York Minster and a pretty neighbouring garden.
Enter the apartment at street level, where there’s private garage parking and a utility room with WC. A door leads out into an enclosed courtyard with table and chairs. Stairs lead up to the first-floor apartment, where the large landing opens into each of the two bedrooms and the family shower room. You’ll enjoy cooking in the bespoke, handmade kitchen, and relaxing in the open-plan sitting room and dining room with Minster views from the sofas and the dining table.
With all of York on your doorstep, the apartment makes a great base for exploring the city’s winding alleyways with shops, cafés, restaurants, the Castle Museum, York Art Gallery, the Theatre Royal and Jorvik Viking Centre."
The Cobbles of Ogleforth
The view from the rear windows of our holiday home.
Unable to get into York Minster, Sheila and I walked around the outside and took our pictures before visiting an uncrowded Beverley Minster.
The following images show our circuit of this very large historic building.
Memo to self: When we revisit York Minster, make sure we book tickets!
Whilst in the walled city of York we visited Clifford Tower which is under the stewardship of English Heritage.
Built to subdue the rebellious north by William the Conqueror, Clifford’s Tower has been a royal mint, a medieval stronghold and a Civil War garrison. In 1190, one of the worst antisemitic massacres of the Middle Ages took place on the site of the tower when York’s Jewish community were trapped there by a violent mob and many Jews chose to commit suicide rather than be murdered.
Today, a new roof deck gives unrivalled views over York's historic skyline, with its medieval buildings and famous Minster. Inside, new walkways and staircases have opened up parts of the tower that have been off-limits for centuries, and immersive soundscapes and stories are bringing the tower’s turbulent history to life like never before.
