Taphophilia

Taphophilia is an interest in and enjoyment of cemeteries and the gravestones found there. For me the wildlife that is often present even in city centre cemeteries, and the mix of trees and plants is a major part of it too. All the gravestones tell a story, some more obviously than others, and a little research can often uncover some fascinating and forgotten local history. Many are covered in symbols as well as writing, and sometimes just reading the weathered stones can be a challenge.
There are several memes dedicated to this subject and although not active at present Taphophile Tragics is warmly recommended
Taking part in ABC Wednesday 

Flooded Fields

A flooded field with winter trees, York Minster, and the York Wheel on the wet and windy skyline. Maybe if we had more trees and plants in gardens rather than decking and gravel all that water (and the birds and insects) would have somewhere to go.

The River is Rising again.....

Yesterday I walked along the tow-path next to these buildings by the river Foss. Today, after a night of heavy rain, ducks are swimming over the same spot. More rain is expected tonight......

Reflections of Reflections

I always have to have a go at deciphering back to front writing, how about you?

Ellen Wilson

Ellen Wilson's Hospital on Lawrence Street was built by John Sykes in 1894. It is a row of six single-story brick dwellings. It was intended for aged or infirm women born or resident in St. Lawrence's parish, selected without religious test, and a stipend of 8 shillings a week (0.40p) was given to each inmate.

Dowager Countess of Grantham

Barley Hall currently has an exhibition of costumes from film and TV dramas. This is one worn by Maggie Smith in her role as the acerbic family matriarch Lady Grantham in Downton Abbey. Famous for her one liners she once dealt with an unwelcome house guest as follows

DOWAGER COUNTESS “Well, what on earth’s the matter?”
RICHARD “I’m leaving in the morning Lady Grantham. I doubt we’ll meet again.”
DOWAGER COUNTESS “Do you promise?”

Keys of Heaven

York Minster is also known as St Peter's, its full name being the 'Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York'.  The keys of St Peter can easily be found within the Minster as here on an entrance gate to a private chapel.
Keys can also be found all around the city, the pub opposite the Minster is what else but the Crossed Keys. An area of the mediaeval city was known as The Liberty of St Peter and governed by the Dean & Chapter rather than the Lord Mayor. Many buildings still have keys carved or painted on them if you look carefully.