See It: York

When we decided to take on this adventure, AJ and I make a pact that we would see as much as we could pack into our time in the UK.  Saturdays have become "See It Saturdays!" in our house.  Now that we are settled and have taken care of all the tasks associated with moving, we are starting to explore the UK with day trips!  For our first stop was York.  It is a 45 minute ride south on the train! 

Just before boarding the train to York...thankful that we would not have to deal with traffic or parking!

York is home to a rich history with lots of sights to see within walking distance of the train station.  Per my typical type A self, I had set out our itinerary using Google maps and my trusty Rick Steves' Great Britain.  We planned to see the major historical sights!  My American mindset of tourist sights made me think that there would be signs, directions, or a production pointing lost tourists in the direction of all the sights to see.  I quickly learned sights in the UK do not scream, "Point of Interest...Stop and Look at Me!"  The sights are much more subtle and just part of the landscape.  We luckily stumbled upon a free walking tour led by local pensioners that were also amateur history buffs!  Had it not been for these guides, we probably would not have known what we were looking at!

Multangular Tower: It was a 12-sided tower built to protect the town from the enemy approaching on the river.

St. Mary's Abbey ruins were spectacular to see.  This abbey stands in the shadows of York Minister, but is no less impressive when I think about it being constructed in the 11th century, without the help of heavy machinery.  The pictures above illustrate the ruins of just half of the monastery.  This abbey stood and was a working monastery until the 16th century when the Dissolution of the Monasteries occurred. 

The King's Manor, formerly Abbot's Place before the Dissolution of the Monasteries, was the next stop on the tour.  The Coat of Arms of Charles I adorns the door above the entrance.  Charles I stayed in the King's Manor during the 1640s.  The unicorn on the arms indicates support of Scotland while the lion indicates support of England.  The flags of St. Andrew and St. George are held by the two beasts.  I do not know if the door above is of any significance, but it was gorgeous, and I love doors!  

The King's Manor has housed a variety of people and organizations since its use by Charles I.  For a time, it became the School for the Blind.  The building above was the school headmaster's residence!  Not a bad house for a headmaster!  The King's Manor and surrounding grounds are now used by the University of York. 

Bootham Bar: A 4th century Roman gate in York's wall

Our guide explained that in York, "Streets are gates, gates are bars, and bars are pubs!"  While he said this in jest, it does hold true.  Bootham Bar is a gate into the walls that were surrounding York in the 4th century.  After climbing a flight of stairs, we were able to walk along the wall.  Soldiers would stand on this wall to protect the town from intruders.  The distance between soldiers was exactly the length that a shout could be heard! 

Walking the wall.

We then walked the wall.  It was about a person and half wide.  At one corner of the wall is Robin Hood's Tower.  No one really knows why it is named that, and if it had not been for our guide, we would not have known we walked through it!  Along the outer edge of the wall, where the grass now is, was a moot.  It was amazing to stand on the wall and imagine water surrounding you as a means of protection. 

Dutch House

This is the Dutch House, which is the first house in York to be built completely of brick.  After the Great London Fire of 1666, people started building homes of brick in hopes of protecting their homes in case of another disastrous fire. 

Street view leading up to York Minister

York Minister has an obvious presence in the city.  Throughout the tour, I was struck that I could see portions of York at almost all the stops. This is just one of narrow road, that is still in use, leading to York Minister.  

York Minister

After the walking tour, we toured York Minister.  It is the largest Gothic church north of the Alps.  York Minister is also a cathedral, since it has the seat of a bishop.  York Minister was not destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries as it was not a monastery.  It is still an operational cathedral, holding weekly mass.  On high holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, it is said that 4,000 people worship there.  While over a million people visit each year to see its grandeur and view history, York Minister is still a holy place of worship.  We arrived just before 2:00pm for our tour.  At 2:00 pm, a priest stood at the lectern and prayerfully reminded all that were visiting that this was a house of the Lord and then solemnly led prayers for those suffering from oppression, victims of war and conflict, and all people needing the comfort and guidance of God.  I do not know if this is just conducted at 2:00pm or at other times of the day as well, but it was a touching moment and reminder that amidst the grandeur and spectacular sights, this is still a place that God dwells. 

Holding owls just outside of the Multangular Tower

Just before boarding the train, we stopped at the Owl Adventure exhibit.  I do not think that owls hold any significance to the history of York.  It just happened to be there on the day we were visiting...so we did it! 

York was a magnificent historical city to explore for our first day trip out.  Now that we are back home, remember the lights are always on!

~W