Horses in the City

Directly opposite this peaceful scene is the multi million pound National Science Learning Centre. Horses are not an uncommon sight in and around York, and a piece of spare ground like this will often have a horse or two grazing the grass.

Windows or Walls

A riverside view can be a selling point for a modern city apartment. Although clearly that has not always been the case!

St Nicholas Fields

This site used to be a rubbish tip, and is now a local nature reserve. It is one mile from York city centre and sited between a housing estate and and an industrial estate. The standing stones are stone that was dumped here when it was a landfill site.
The earliest records of St Nicholas Fields come from the 12th century when the land was leased to the nearby hospital of St Nicholas. The hospital was founded in the reign of Henry I to accommodate up to forty patients, mostly suffering from leprosy. 

Long Shadow

Presentiment is that long shadow on the lawn
Indicative that suns go down;
The notice to the startled grass
That darkness is about to pass.

Emily Dickinson

Minster Gate Bookshop

Minster Gates bookshop is situated close by the South door of York Minster. This small street has enjoyed a long association with books. Formerly known as Bookland Lane, the street was later known as Bookbinder's Alley. .The inventory for the stock of John Foster who operated as a bookseller from Minster Gates 1580-1607 still survives.
The current  bookshop is spread over 3 floors and stocks a mix of new and second-hand books, it is well worth a visit.

Hips and Haws

Lots of free food in the local hedgerows this time of year, rose-hip syrup anyone?
Taking part in Ruby Tuesday

Autumn colours

The leaves are just starting to turn to autumn colours on this lovely old tree in the centre of St Mary's square.