York Through the Ages

The sarcophagi in the foreground are Roman from around the first or second century AD. The remains of St Mary's Abbey date from around 1100, the York Wheel seen through the arch of the Abbey was put up last year.

G is for Gordon

There is a tradition of cat sculptures being placed on buildings in York. Some have been there for many years, probably originally intended to scare off pigeons. Others are the signature of local architect Tom Adams.One I had not spotted until recently despite him being on one of York's most famous street is Gordon, who can be found above a doorway on Stonegate.
Taking part in ABC Wednesday

Cycle Track

The lights along my local cycle track have one or two added points of interest. Trouble is if you are cycling along looking upwards you aint always looking where you are going.........

Hidden in full view

I suspect many locals would struggle to recall seeing this ginnel. It can be found on Coney Street, arguably York's busiest thoroughfare and is called Judges Court. It also has it's own ghost which announces it's presence by the sound of a broken spur jangling along the  ground. I do not know of anyone who has heard the sound and stopped long enough to see what the wearer of the spur looks like!

Abstract Reflections

These reflections in the River Ouse caught my eye. Wish I could achieve the same shades of grey and inky blackness in my black and white photos!

County Hospital

 

This elegant doorway was once the entrance into York County Hospital. Designed by JB & W Atkinson it was built in 1851 to replace an earlier smaller building. The majority of the money needed to build it (£11,000) was raised by public subscription. The building has since been converted to private living accommodation. A two bedroom flat here would cost around £170,000 to buy today.

Rainbow Mnemonic

A double rainbow over nearby houses this week. I was taught the colours of the rainbow with the following mnemonic - Richard Of York Gains Battles In Vain. The Richard it refers to is Richard Plantagenet, father of Richard III and Edward IV, who despite his many victories never became king himself. Indeed after his defeat at the battle of Wakefield his severed head was displayed on Micklegate Bar in York.
Did you have a less bloodthirsty aid to learn the colours of the rainbow?
Taking part in Skywatch Friday

Which Watch

Lots of watches to choose from on this local market stall, although one seems to stand out....

F is for Fresh Fish

If you want fresh fish Scarborough is a good place to find it. I thought I had tried most types of local fish, but Pouting anyone?
Taking part in  ABC Wednesday

Winter Lighthouse

Low tide and there is always someone on the beach in Scarborough South Bay, even in the middle of winter.

Fishing Boats

Ginnels Gates & Ghosts has been to the seaside. Scarborough is a coastal town around 40 miles from York and a few fishing boats can still be found in the harbour. The boat on the right is based on the traditional Coble, a flat-bottomed boat with a high bow. This allows it to be launched from the shallow sandy beached typically found along this part of the NE coast. The high bow is needed to cope with the big waves and surf of the North Sea. Fishing Cobles are usually open boats but this one has had a wheelhouse added.

Pink Meccano!

Spotted in a local shop window recently. I had a Meccano set as a child which I enjoyed playing with, but I would not have been the slightest bit interested this pink monstrosity! It certainly looks rather incongruous next to the Supacat Jackal weapon carrier. Would you buy either of these for your children or grandchildren?

Winter Lion

My favourite lion in his winter coat!

Grey Day

 

I guess it is the reflection of the snow that gives those lovely grey hues to this winter sky on Strensall Common.

Taking part in  Skywatch Friday

Happy Valentines Day!

A last minute gift idea in case you forgot what day it is. Am good to you or what! Apparently they can even help you lose weight.............

E is for Evil Eye

One of the more modern signs on Stonegate is this one for the Evil Eye cocktail bar. Not the most welcoming of signs you might think but I think it is intended as a talisman against the evil eye rather than inflicting harm on potential customers!
Taking part in ABC Wednesday

Deans Park Bench

Dean's Park in the recent snowfall. Somehow the stone bench does not look as inviting as it does in summer!

Listen to or look at?

A walk around York Market at the weekend  had a stall selling LP covers, with in some cases, the LP framed alongside. I do find it rather ironic that something that was made to be listened to is now framed to be looked at instead. I would far rather listen to The Smiths or The Stone Roses than look at them! How about you?

Lil in Action

Perhaps you can spot the stick? Lil certainly has and has launched herself sideways on a flying intercept course. She made the catch. Watching and learning in the background is Xuni. She has quite a story to tell which I will save for another day.

Put the stick down and no one gets hurt!

This is Lil, she just loves to play with both humans and sticks. Take her for a walk and she will run off and find a stick. She brings the stick and puts it at your feet, you attempt to pick up or kick the stick for her, she snatches it away. Repeat as often as you wish. Occasionally she lets you get to the stick first, she knows how to work an audience. Stop by tomorrow to see her in action.

Snow on Deangate

Lots of bright coats around the city on a cold winter day. This was taken last week, but the forecast suggests we may see more of the white stuff soon.

Merry Morris Men & Women

They really deserve for you to see more than just their feet, as they are rather good. This dance involved a lot of clashing together of the wooden staves, very enthusiastically in some cases!

D is is for Dancing Feet

I was 'summoned by bells' of the small tinkling variety as I walked past Kings Square recently. Ebor Morris dancers were doing their best to look lively on a dull wet winters day. First sight of Morris dancers this year.
Taking part in ABC Wednesday

The Kings Arms......

......and legs and skull,  in fact the whole of this Monarch's skeleton (sorry!) is confirmed as the burial found under a car park in Leicester last year. Richard III was the last English king to die in battle and was buried near where he fell in Greyfriars Church Leicester. Subsequent development of the area over 400 years meant the exact location was lost. See here for further details of this extraordinary discovery. 
A facial reconstruction made from the skull is due to be unveiled today, I wonder if it will look anything like this picture of him on a York pub sign? Richard III was the last king of the House of York and also the last Plantagenet on the English throne.

Lanterns in the Snow

Greys Court looks lovely at any time of the year, in the snow the courtyard looks extra special. If all those lanterns were lit at night it would be quite magical.

The Maltings

 

You might have guessed, we called in at a local real ale pub for a winter warmer, and a catch up chat with a pal.

Winter Berries

Woke up to this sight last Saturday which made walking into York hard work, fun, but hard work. Pop in tomorrow to see where we ended up.

Umbrella at Rievaulx

If you saw the rainbow in yesterdays post you will understand how it can be raining hard enough to need an umbrella, and yet be sunny enough for shadows!
Taking part in CDP theme day