Easter Garden

An Easter Sunday post. This is a portion of the front garden of 4 Chapter House Street. The house is the official residence of the Chancellor of York Minster hence the shape of the gravel bed.

Wheel to stay for another Summer

The York Wheel was scheduled for removal in February but will now remain in place until September. A controversial decision for those who are opposed to the temporary structure, a pleasant surprise for those of us who have not yet ventured up there with their camera!

Spring or Autumn?

Understandably confused by the weather this squirrel was busy burying food this week, in this case a peanut. It certainly feels more like autumn than spring at the moment.

Iris Vs Snow

These miniature Iris in the Museum Gardens are looking at their best despite the worst the weather can do at the moment.The snow is retreating again.

K is for King's Manor

This is the lovely ornate doorway of The Kings Manor, York's residence of choice for visiting monarchs. Henry VIII, Charles I and James I have all stayed here. In 1562 a room was specially commissioned for a reconciliation meeting between Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of  Scotland, however events overtook them and that meeting never took place.
Taking part in ABC Wednesday

Got any Food?

I was busy taking some shots of Lendal Bridge and the River Ouse, and I hadn't noticed this determined looking Greylag goose approaching. S/he was was unimpressed to discover I did not have any food to share!

Lazy Wind

This weather vane in the city centre today was indicating more cold NE winds suggesting the unseasonably cold weather will continue into next week. At least the sun shone today and kept the temperature above freezing. Around here a very cold wind is known as a lazy wind, too lazy to blow around you it just blows straight through!

Snowy Daffodils

This time last year it was 16C and the daffodils around the city wall were in full flower. Today they were struggling to hold up their heads under a covering of snow

Broderers Guild

In the north choir aisle of the Minster is a collection of panesl worked by the Broderers guild. Displaying needlework skills of the highest order the panels depict birds and animals found in carvings and stained glass windows around the Minster. Some have obvious religious significance such as this one, others depict more ordinary creatures such as butterflies and tigers. Well worth seeking out if you visit.

New View

The removal of some wartime huts has enabled the walls of St Mary's Abbey, complete with the St Mary Tower, to form a backdrop to these Roman coffins. Whenever I walk past these sarcophagi I wonder who the smallest one was intended for.

Spring

Snowdrops look pure white from a distance. It is only when you get a bit closer you can see they have had to push their way through the dirty soil to get their heads into the sunlight.

J is for John

This stone can be found in the churchyard of St Olaves on Marygate. It was the first stone to catch the morning sunlight as I passed by last weekend.
Taking part in ABC Wednesday

Love the early morning light....

...... on these windows in Micklegate. The original Priory along here was listed in Domesday book of 1086 as one of five great northern churches. The Priory sign in the picture refer to a local public house.

Green Door

Always a brave move to paint the front door a bright colour. This one works though.

Two wheels vs Four

These railings seem to be used as something of an impromptu cycle rack. Two wheels is generally a faster way to get around the city than four.

Saturday Morning Sculling

It was a very cold morning, but I guess these two rowers will soon be nicely warmed up!

Cat amongst the pigeons

You will be used to seeing the odd cat climbing around a York building by now. This is a variation on the theme as both the Cat & the Pigeon on this city centre roof are models. Not sure why the netting is there as these two are not going anywhere!
Taking part in Skywatch Friday

The Emperor's New Piazza

Work is progressing on the new Piazza at the south entrance to York Minster. Constantine has been boxed safely away for the last few months but appears to be allowed out to keep an eye on things again this week.

I is for Ice Cream

A typical traditional York doorway with a lions head door knocker and cobweb fanlight above the door. Oh yes, and a larger than life ice cream cone on the step, Spring must be just around the corner.
Taking part in ABC Wednesday

New Kids on the Block

These young cattle were out on Hob Moor for the first time last weekend. They were very skittish and clearly a bit overwhelmed at their new found freedom. I would have shown you a shot of their faces but I was too busy waving my arms and shouting 'Gedon with ya' as they came charging down the path towards me. Luckily that sent them galloping in the opposite direction.

Elegant Living

One of the sought after addresses in the city is Tadcaster Road. This is a typical example of the type of property found here. A Grade II listed building from the Mid 19th century, built from yellow brick with limestone corner dressings. Once a house, I am not sure if it is still used as such or has become offices as many of the larger premises along here have.

Rougier family

Yesterdays post reminded me of this gravestone of the Rougier family. Joseph Rougier made drinking horns, combs and lanterns from his works near the street that still bears his name. Combs were made from ivory, tortoiseshell and horn, even books were sometimes bound in horn.
A wealthy family I would imagine. They had their share of sad times too though and lost a daughter at the age of 1 year old in 1814.

Rougier Street

An early morning view down Rougier Street. The tall spire is All Saint's North Street, the rounded tower belongs to the magistrates court. Both seem to have identical weather vanes atop them.

Hot Air Balloon

It is the time of year when balloon rides start up again. Every morning and evening, weather permitting, several balloons drift over the city. Taking part in Skywatch Friday

Spring & Autumn

Spring is just around the corner. If you are not convinced just look at these crocus pushing their way through the remains of the autumn leaves.

H is for Hob Moor

Hob Moor is an area of open grazing that forms part of Micklegate Stray, it is also a local nature reserve. These two stones can be found on Little Hob Moor, the taller stone is The Hob Stone, the smaller stone is a Plague Stone.
The Hob Stone is an effigy carved around 1315 of a knight of the Roos family. It was placed on the Moor in 1717 and the inscription on the back read:
This Image Long Hob's Name has Bore
Who was a knight in time of Yore
and gave this Common to ye Poor
Bubonic Plague victims were housed on the moor in 1604. They payed for food brought to them by leaving coins in vinegar in the hollow centre of the small stone in the grass. The vinegar was thought to make the money safe to handle by those who were plague free.
Taking part in ABC Wednesday

Capital of the North

A new exhibition has opened at the Yorkshire Museum. One of the stars of the show is the Escrick ring featured on the poster. This mediaeval gold ring is set with a sapphire surrounded by red glass, and is proving something of a puzzle for the experts. See here for the background story of where it was found and by whom.

Arrivals & Departure

A view across the roof tops towards York railway station shows two colourful trains, one is leaving York, the other arriving.

Market Prices

The best priced fresh fruit and veg can be found on the local market stall, not that Spanish garlic is exactly local but you know what I mean.....

Cafe Chairs

You have a choice, padded chairs if you are in here to linger over a skinny latte whilst you catch up with your mates. Upright chairs if you need to pull up close to  the table to get down to some serious eating.
Taking part in City Daily Photo Theme Day