The Minster and St Mike's

Time to get close up to Europe's biggest Gothic Cathedral, and look, another blue sky! In fact this is the Minster and St Michael le Belfry, a large (800 according to the history page)  evangelical Anglican church in the heart of the city.

Kilroy was not here, and neither was Braveheart!

One of the delights of York is viewing the city from the well-preserved walls. This section is at about 2 o'clock on the city plan, and we are in Jewbury, on the inner ring-road, looking west, with the River Foss just behind us. The word formidable doesn't spring to mind when you look at these defences, but it seems that they were nevertheless effective. William Wallace, Mel Gibson's Braveheart, did ravage the north of England, but came nowhere near York. For other historical inaccuracies in the film see here, but don't let them stop you enjoying the re-runs.

Jolly juxtaposition

Not walking in the air, though, is he? I have no idea what sort of experience was on offer here, but could not resist the contrast of ephemeral and durable. That's the central tower of the Minster on the right; if you think it looks unfinished, you are right. Apparently the original plan was to have this as the belfry, but it collapsed during construction. The much more delicate twin towers, out of view to the left of this picture, were then built to house the bells.

Another blue sky!

Jorvik is Eboracum is York

Seasonal greetings from Jorvik, the Viking name for York, England, earlier named Eboracum by the Romans. This is St Helen's Square looking up towards Stonegate and, not surprisingly, St Helen's Church:  the square tower, top left, is York Minster.

There are other photo blogs on York here and here, so whether it's nostalgia or discovery you're after, you're spoilt for choice. It's a lovely city with a strong international feel, thanks not least to the language schools and training organisations, here, here, and here, for example, to say nothing of the university, St John's and Nestlé.