Thursday 28 February 2013

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.

Wednesday 27 February 2013

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

Tuesday 26 February 2013

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.........

Monday 25 February 2013

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!

Sunday 24 February 2013

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!

Saturday 23 February 2013

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.

Friday 22 February 2013

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

Thursday 21 February 2013

Which Watch


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

Wednesday 20 February 2013

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

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Winter Lighthouse


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

Monday 18 February 2013

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.

Sunday 17 February 2013

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?

Saturday 16 February 2013

Winter Lion


My favourite lion in his winter coat!

Friday 15 February 2013

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

Thursday 14 February 2013

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.............

Wednesday 13 February 2013

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

Tuesday 12 February 2013

Deans Park Bench


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

Monday 11 February 2013

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?

Sunday 10 February 2013

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.

Saturday 9 February 2013

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.

Friday 8 February 2013

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.

Thursday 7 February 2013

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!

Wednesday 6 February 2013

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

Tuesday 5 February 2013

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.

Monday 4 February 2013

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.

Sunday 3 February 2013

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.


Saturday 2 February 2013

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.

Friday 1 February 2013

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

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