Train train

Another from the National Railway Museum to show that not all trains are black. This is a photo taken by a Polish IT manager during his week of language and leadership training with York Associates. Trainees this week are mainly Norwegian and French.

Wall to wall …

but no carpet of daffodils on the embankment at this time of year.  For that, try this earlier post. These slits in the walls both protected the archers defending the city and gave them a wide field of fire against the enemy.

Three times table

… and some tables! This is the largely unused entrance hall to Gray's Court, which has featured in this blog almost as often as the Minster.

Grey sky gallery

Enclosing part of the new Hungate development, the first stage of which can be seen in the distance, is this art display consisting of over 20 pictures. The chimney left of centre, is one of those "love it or hate it" monuments. Some would like it to be taken down, whilst others think its demolition would deplete the architectural capital of the City of York. 

Global view

of the All Saints lantern tower, Pavement, taken from Coppergate. Follow the label for more information. 

Boat barging in

Moorings on the River Foss just below Tower Street, opposite the Castle Museum.

Yes, we have no …

bananas, but we do have a Sinclair C5. Dave Dee, perhaps York's best-known removal company, has furnished royalty, but common folks are always welcome at the Piccadilly shop. Don't wait too long, as the area is due for redevelopment, and the future of this Aladdin's cave is uncertain.

The Crux of the matter …

At the Pavement end of Britain's most picturesque street, Shambles, people enjoy morning coffee or lunch and browse the bric-a-brac stalls which are sometimes set up on the terrace to raise funds for local, national and international charities.

Just behind the St Crux parish hall is York's shortest street, Whip-ma-whop-ma-gate, which apparently means, "You don't call that a street, do you?" There are other explanations of the name, but this is the one found in the Yorkshire Museum before its refurbishment.

The parish hall was constructed from the remains of the original church which was demolished in 1887 following concerns about its safety.

Clifford's Tower 2

Clifford's Tower stands on a mound between the Castle Museum and the town centre. 

Wharf window detail

The combination of a dark sky and bright sunlight is always a pleasure. This is a close-up of the central bay window on the Rowntree Wharf building. For more information, see yesterday's post and the link to the York Walks site.

Under the boardwalk …

This walkway along the River Foss at Rowntree Wharf makes a pleasant change from the busyness of the ring road. This shot was taken just a three minutes walk from yesterday's boat. On the left, determined to get into the picture, is part of the new Hungate residential development. For more photographs of this pretty area of York, see this page or follow the labels below.

No bridge, but troubled water

Just a little further along the River Foss from yesterday's post is where the litter collects - not a pretty sight. I don't know how often it is cleaned up, and presume that the local authority boat moored up ahead is used for that purpose. The path which passes by the boat leads to the city centre via a raised boardwalk attached to the old Rowntree warehouse.

I don't know why yesterday's blue bridge is closed; it leads to a space between the King's Pool government offices and the new Hungate residential development. My guess would be H&S (health and safety).

Bridge over untroubled water

Being right on the inner ring road (Foss Islands Road)  this spot is not quite as tranquil as it looks. The pretty  iron bridge over the River Foss is permanently closed to pedestrians but its graceful arch and colour make it a treat to the eyes. Let's hope no-one decides to sell it for scrap.

Treasurer's House has the blues

This is Chapter House Street, behind the Minster, 50 yards to the left. The gates are worth a closer look, if you are a fan of wrought iron, then you must go to the Victoria and Albert museum next time you are in London; there is a long gallery (rooms 113-114, five sections of the website) full of wonderful examples of this craft.

Lady in Red 3, Riverboat

One of York's bus-boats plying its trade between Lendal Bridge and Ouse Bridge, from where this photograph was taken. It was a busy day on the river, and in contrast to this early morning shot, there were plenty of passengers. 

Spurriergate, York: same time, same place!

We've seen the Spurriergate Centre clock before, sadly stuck at seven minutes to five. This is the busy Ousegate-Spurriergate junction. Shopaholics, turn left or go straight ahead, but come back here for lunch or a cuppa. The Spurriergate Centre serves good food in an interesting setting on two floors, and is a also a convenient place for quality Fair Trade gifts and souvenirs.

York Minster interior 2

Another classic picture to get the blog going again. This one is from Maciej, trainee on a York Associates intensive business English course some months ago. 

Micklegate Bar 2, York

A classic view to mark my return to the blog after a few weeks' absence during which I did have time to look at some of your posts. This was taken on the way back from Melton College, an English language school where I occasionally work on supply.

For the contrasting view of the other side of Micklegate Bar from within the walls, see this older post. The outer face is more elegant, but each has its interest, and the older post shows off the arches more effectively. 

As you might guess from the safety fencing, the road is under repair, presumably as part of the Blossom Street junction improvements.