JorvikDailyPhoto

Wistful wisteria

2011-07-06T13:00:00.001+01:00

A random photo of the Treasurer's House to take my leave, at least for the moment. Thanks to all who have taken the time to visit and comment. I've enjoyed discovering a few new places near and far, from Saltaire to Sarasota, and also York, my new home, but time constraints mean that I'm unlikely to be able to get back to photoblogging for a while.

Reach for the sky!

2011-06-08T22:43:00.000+01:00

York Minster's chapter house, a must-see construction, even more fascinating from inside.

St John extension

2011-06-06T01:51:00.000+01:00

Another angle on the recent extension to the University of York St John. This is just around the corner from one the "flying sheds" which delight some and dismay others.

Seen from St John

2011-06-01T01:43:00.000+01:00

The view from just outside the Uni of York St John, for which see Monday's post. Sorry that I'm not able to keep up with either posting or reading at the moment.

University of St John, York

2011-05-30T01:36:00.000+01:00

This is the older part of the new university, formerly "only" a college, showing some of its famous chimneys. The building is on Lord Mayor's Walk, parallel to the north-eastern-ish section of the city walls.

The British Isles from Gillygate

2011-05-28T09:07:00.000+01:00

If you are confused about the difference between the UK, GB and the British Isles, it's Woodlands Junior School, Kent to the rescue. Their clear, well-illustrated site covers the historical and geographical ins, outs, ups and downs of this corner of the world. Enlarge the poster for the detail.

Mirror, mirror

2011-05-25T01:36:00.000+01:00

Window and mirror reflections in Gillygate Framing.

Treasurer's House garden wall

2011-05-23T01:25:00.001+01:00

Enough said.

York Minster triptych

2011-05-22T14:25:00.000+01:00

The central tower, courtyard lamp and chapter house of this magnificent building photographed from just by the Treasurer's House garden wall, for which see tomorrow's post.

Best seat, City Screen café (lost post)

2011-05-21T01:03:00.001+01:00

I'm always happy if I get this spot; I occasionally finish off a week's language training here, most recently with a client from Annecy, France. This is the River Ouse and Lendal Bridge reflected in the full-length double-glazed windows of the City Screen café. I must try to stitch a double-length shot of the real and the reflected scene one day.

Cubes, curves and cathedral

2011-05-20T01:06:00.012+01:00

Minster and monster? This shows part of the modern extension to the University of York St John with the cathedral twin towers in the centre. I really enjoy the new architecture every time I pass. There are so many pleasing features, not least the type of brick. The cuboids above and contours below form a bold but satisfying contrast, as does the wave of brick flowing away from a line of 19th century terraced houses. The link takes you to the Lord Mayor's Walk side of the development.

Woodsmill Quay, York 2

2011-05-18T01:40:00.003+01:00

This is the quieter, non-tourist side of the River Ouse, where former warehouses are now luxury flats. These buildings are between Lendal and Skeldergate bridges, opposite the famous and frequently flooded King's Arms pub. I like the fact that the gantry has been retained.

Esplanade moorings

2011-05-17T01:40:00.001+01:00

This kind of scene sometimes has me looking up the price of boats. We are now on the Esplanade, just beyond the arch shown a few days ago, looking downstream towards Lendal bridge and York town centre.

All Saints too 2

2011-05-16T01:25:00.001+01:00

For a wintry view of approximately the same scene, go here. This is what you see across the River Ouse from the City Screen café terrace.

St Mary's abbey ruins

2011-05-15T07:44:00.000+01:00

For a quiet read or a lounge on the lawn, this spot by the ruins of St Mary's abbey in Museum Gardens takes some beating. For what I think is a better view, try this, and for history, this.

Melton moments 2

2011-05-14T09:24:00.000+01:00

Students and IELTS candidates at Melton College enjoy the spring sunshine during a recent lunchtime. The young folk on the left are from Germany; for an earlier post of Spanish students, go here.

St William's College

2011-05-11T15:34:00.000+01:00

A distant shot of this attractive building which features here, here and here on this blog.

Steam surprise

2011-05-09T18:43:00.000+01:00

Who should we bump into on platform 10 of York station but Oliver Cromwell (the engine, not the man in the pony-tail). We took a rather more ordinary train to Darlington to a conference featuring a speaker from Manila and another from Bordeaux.

Esplanade archway

2011-05-06T08:04:00.000+01:00

Looking through the arch at the bottom of Marygate onto the Esplanade and Lendal Bridge. The ice-cream van of a few days ago is parked just this side of the arch and its adjoining tower.

York Museums Trust

2011-05-04T01:31:00.002+01:00

St Mary's Lodge, situated at the Marygate entrance to Museum Gardens, is home to York Museums Trust. 630,000 people visited the four venues managed by the trust in the 2010-2011 season, up by 100,000 from the previous year.

I scream, "Ice cream!" 2

2011-05-02T10:00:00.001+01:00

The ice-cream van and the York boat tell us that the tourist season is well under way. This is the bottom of Marygate, between Scarborough Bridge (rail) and Lendal Bridge.

Easter music

2011-05-01T21:44:00.000+01:00

York Evangelical Church musicians warming up for the guest service last Sunday at St Clement's Hall. I couldn't get the piano.

The Bay Horse, Marygate

2011-04-30T16:32:00.000+01:00

The Bay Horse, Marygate, is the pub that York almost lost, as a click on the link will reveal. The building dates from the 1890s, and but for a dip in the housing market a few years ago, may have ended up as flats. It is situated a few paces from Museum Gardens and the River Ouse, just off the main tourist track.

Puzzling Museum Gardens

2011-04-29T17:11:00.001+01:00

The lush spring foliage almost hides the façade of The Yorkshire Museum at this point. The comprehensive museum and gardens website is well worth the visit.

Centenary Chapel 2

2011-04-27T14:19:00.000+01:00

A slightly more distant view of York cemetery's Centenary Chapel shown a few days ago. On this occasion, the chapel was the venue for Ebor Ruggers who were showing off their work during Open Studio week.

Railway reflections?

2011-04-26T10:27:00.000+01:00

A surprising find the the National Railway Museum warehouse is this beautiful model boat. The warehouse is an Aladdin's cave of railway memorabilia, including a display cabinet of chamber pots and handbells for those who might be interested.

Gray's Court garden

2011-04-25T01:16:00.001+01:00

Between the city walls and the Minster, these gardens belong to Gray's Court café and restaurant, worth a visit for the house alone. Follow the labels for earlier posts.

Albatross and Red Boat

2011-04-23T01:55:00.000+01:00

on the River Ouse in York, between Ouse and Skeldergate bridges.

More blossom

2011-04-21T01:56:00.001+01:00

… opposite the railway station. This picture is a few weeks old; the daffodils look pretty dreary at the moment, and will soon be gone.

More blossom

2011-04-19T19:01:00.000+01:00

… in York cemetery.

Bar Convent

2011-04-18T01:18:00.001+01:00

The Bar Convent is situated on the corner of Blossom Street and Nunnery Lane, just outside Micklegate Bar, whence its name. It is the oldest living convent in England and today comprises accommodation for up to 30 in 18 guest bedrooms, meeting rooms, a museum and a café in a Grade I listed Georgian building.

Behind these buildings is All Saints' RC Secondary School.

Micklegate within with …

2011-04-16T01:19:00.002+01:00

tell-tale TO LET signs on the pretty timber-framed building seen in yesterday's post. Several Micklegate businesses have closed or relocated recently (see labels); let's hope the economy picks up soon.

Micklegate within without

2011-04-15T01:14:00.000+01:00

That's within the walls but without traffic or any other clutter. See tomorrow for Micklegate with … what?

Lady in Red 10

2011-04-14T01:07:00.001+01:00

The tourist season is picking up and the River Ouse is getting busy. An alternative to taking a guided tour is to hire a small 8-seater self-drive Red Boat.

Centenary Chapel

2011-04-13T01:03:00.000+01:00

… in York cemetery. An enlargement might reveal that the windows are trapezoid, slightly narrower at the top than at the bottom.

Walmgate Bar, Gatehouse Coffee

2011-04-12T10:25:00.000+01:00

… showing the rather cramped counter area. Follow Walmgate Bar and Gatehouse Coffee to see where it is.

More magnificent magnolia

2011-04-11T01:50:00.002+01:00

… once again in York cemetery, looking over to Cemetery Road.

Between bridges

2011-04-10T18:23:00.000+01:00

Looking from Ouse to Skeldergate Bridge.

Walmgate Bar, Gatehouse Coffee

2011-04-09T09:02:00.000+01:00

Walmgate Bar viewed from within the walls, showing the later extension. This must be the site of the quaintest café in York, Gatehouse Coffee. Run by Calvary Baptist Chapel, it is open to all and serves high quality coffee and snacks at very reasonable prices.

White on white

2011-04-08T01:08:00.001+01:00

The Centenary Chapel seen through magnolia in York Cemetery.

Blake Head, Bleak House 2

2011-04-07T01:51:00.003+01:00

Recently re-posted here, this is how it looks today. Sad, n'est-ce pas?

Micklegate bookshop

2011-04-06T01:41:00.002+01:00

A close-up might reveal some of the very collectable titles. So far, this business has survived the recession.

Passé composé

2011-04-05T01:45:00.002+01:00

The French House on Micklegate, seen here in its former glory, shown above after closure. I like way the owners have used packing cases to convey the message.

Ebor Ruggers

2011-04-04T01:38:00.001+01:00

Displaying in York cemetery's Centenary Chapel during the Open Studio event.

Clifford's Tower 5

2011-04-03T01:34:00.000+01:00

We've seen it in snow and in sun; now through magnolia. Follow the labels for other views.

Surrounded

2011-04-02T01:42:00.003+01:00

or almost, as there are gaps in the walls, and strangely there are very few daffodils planted below the Nunnery Lane section of the fortifications. The 2010 photograph above was taken near Walmgate Bar on the east of York, whilst the one below, taken today, looks towards Micklegate Bar on the south.

These books are made for …

2011-04-01T09:05:00.002+01:00

walking? I used to read walking home from school, with the occasional bump into a lamp-post. This mobile library is parked outside York art gallery. It's a great service for outlying communities and in York, at least, has survived the cuts.

Green steam at NRM

2011-04-01T01:46:00.002+01:00

FRANK GALBRAITH is an 0-4-0 steam locomotive with a vertical boiler and high speed cylinder action with chain drive to the wheels. This shunting locomotive built in 1957 at the Sentinel Wagon Works in Shrewsbury for Teesside Bridge & Engineering Co. could be operated by a single man acting as both driver and fireman and this 4WTG design was listed as Teesside No 5.

If you like steam engines, go here to Doc Brown's site from whence I took the above information.

Bedern Hall

2011-03-31T16:45:00.001+01:00

This restored 14th century hall on Bartle Garth, originally part of the College of Vicars Choral, is available for weddings, conferences, seminars and similar events. There is a Mothers' Day lunch this coming Sunday.

The venue is centrally situated, but easily missed, tucked away between Goodramgate and St. Andrewgate, a few minutes on foot from York Minster. The snow is from 2009-10.

Rowntree Park 6

2011-03-29T11:24:00.001+01:00

These are the impressive east gates opening onto the River Ouse. The houses on the other side of the park are on Bishopthorpe Road.

St Cuthbert's, Peaseholme Green

2011-03-28T12:38:00.000+01:00

This is reckoned to be the oldest church in York after the Minster itself. It is now an administrative centre for St Michael le Belfry, and home to Yo-Yo schools work, for which see the sidebar. For a view of the other side of the church taken from the city walls, go here, and for the main door with a carpet of crocuses, here.

Very close by is a smart Italian restaurant, a lovely public garden, the Tapestry Museum and the Black Swan pub.

At the crossroads …

2011-03-27T09:43:00.000+01:00

looking up Low Petergate from King's Square to the wonderful west towers of York Minster. To the left is Church Street, and to the right Goodramgate.

Music for your mouth 4

2011-03-26T01:03:00.000Z

The El Piano courtyard, Grape Lane, has been extended, two years after the initial negotiations for the few extra square metres of yard at the back of the restaurant. There is still work to do, but the space is operational. It was so warm the day this picture was taken that I had to sit in the shade - in March - in the UK! You don't have to be vegan to eat here, but that's what they serve, and you won't be disappointed.

Neo-classical v medieval

2011-03-25T19:17:00.001Z

Methodist column sees off rival Anglican tower? Well, not much rivalry here, as St Saviour's, though an active church, is no longer a place of worship. It is home to DIG York, featured here and elsewhere on this blog.

The way the cookie crumbles

2011-03-25T12:06:00.000Z

Enlarging the photo will reveal the pearls of wisdom iced onto the cookies in this King's Square establishment..

Chim chiminee …

2011-03-23T11:43:00.000Z

Rooftops and chimneys, many of the latter sealed off, of Shambles, Little Shambles, King's Square and perhaps Colliergate seen from the third floor (gents clothing) of Marks and Spencer. The outdoor market is directly below, out of this view, and the Minster is to the left. No sign of Mary Poppins.

Unitarian Chapel St Saviourgate

2011-03-22T11:21:00.002Z

This beautifully maintained chapel hosts some classy concerts:

French leave

2011-03-19T22:53:00.000Z

This is a repeat entry of one of my favourite photos: the French House on Micklegate. It has sadly relocated out-of-town, but there are imaginative plans for the site.

Flash door 2 …

2011-03-18T07:54:00.000Z

somewhere within the city walls. I need some help with verticals.

Fruit 'n veg on Blake Street

2011-03-17T16:32:00.000Z

Rooftops east from Clifford's Tower

2011-03-16T07:51:00.000Z

A long view on a dull day, showing the Morrison's chimney and Rowntree Wharf. The River Foss is just out of sight in front of the foreground buildings. The modern brick building in the centre is a car park.

Dig that church

2011-03-16T01:00:00.003Z

St Saviour's church, St Saviourgate, is now the home of DIG, a hands-on archæological experience which some rate a better visit than the Jorvik Viking Centre. This view is just slightly to the right of yesterday's. For details of the huge Hungate dig just across the street from this centre, take a look at the YAT (York Archeological Trust) site here. The excavations are due to run until the end of this year.

St Saviourgate to Rowntree Wharf

2011-03-15T15:07:00.000Z

This is the view from the space between St Saviour's church, now The Dig, and the pretty row of cottages which form part of Hungate. Non-native speakers might be interested in the play on words in Dig York: as well as its archeological significance, dig can also mean like, appreciate, understand, so you can dig York without a shovel or spade.

St Helen's Square

2011-03-14T01:00:00.003Z

Rooftop and upper storey architecture above Betty's tearooms and other commercial establishments on the south-east side of St Helen's Square.

York Minster from Low Petergate

2011-03-13T01:00:00.001Z

Taken a little further back than some of my other shots and therefore including Drake's Fish and Chips sign as well as the wonderful west towers against an almost clear blue sky.

Ladies in red

2011-03-12T17:36:00.000Z

but only one plying her trade on the Ouse by Lendal Bridge. The building on the right of the bridge is the café from which this earlier picture was taken.

Red door on St Andrewgate

2011-03-11T21:48:00.000Z

The title says all I know about this one.

Lendal Cellars

2011-03-10T10:02:00.000Z

Between the Guildhall archway (see below) and the Post Office is the entrance to Lendal Cellars, a real ale pub in the heart of York. It gets this review from a US citizen in Dallas: good fish and chips … the dungeon-like underground atmosphere is cool and strangely comforting - a great place for pub lunch or quick drink with friends - one of my favorite pubs in York.

The Guildhall

2011-03-08T01:00:00.000Z

The Guildhall entrance viewed from St Helen's Square. The present building, situated on the River Ouse, is a replica of a 15th century construction which suffered bomb damage during WWII. Visited by King Richard II in 1483, it later hosted the trial of Margaret Clitherow, found guilty in 1586 of harboring Catholic priests.

Judges Lodgings 2

2011-03-07T01:00:00.000Z

Another angle on the Judges Lodgings Hotel entrance on Lendal shown a few days ago.

Lift up your heads - and voices

2011-03-06T01:00:00.001Z

A deliberately full-on view of the upper storeys of Banks music shop on Lendal. The building dates from 1897; unfortunately the light was poor so the decoration on the parapet and pediment are rather blurred in enlargement. Part of the Music room group, which explains the rather loud shop sign, Banks also specialises in choral sheet music.

York Minster and The Red House

2011-03-05T01:27:00.002Z

Looking down Duncombe Place past The Red House to the west face of York Minster. Now a quality antique centre, The Red House was built in 1700 for the Lord Mayor; it also features on this blog here. The stone building just after the Red House is St Wilfrid's Roman Catholic church.

Coney Street: stone meets timber

2011-03-04T01:42:00.001Z

This is where Coney Street meets New Street. The stone building is now home to Starbucks, whilst Orange have a boutique on the first floor of the timbered construction. Even independent coffee-shop fans should visit Starbucks here, if only to admire the ceiling.

Judges Lodgings 1

2011-03-03T16:31:00.001Z

This is the impressive entrance to The Judges Lodgings Hotel, a Grade 1 listed Georgian town house on Lendal, featuring function rooms and a cellar bar. There should be an apostrophe in the name, but this is how it appears on the website. Apologies for the persistent perpendicularity problems.

Ladies in red in diamonds

2011-03-01T13:05:00.000Z

York tourist boats from inside one of the Lendal Bridge cafés. Thanks to those who commiserated with us about the closure of Blake Head bookshop and café; sadly it is indeed the vegetarian one on Micklegate, Jackie from Glasgow.

Blake Head, Bleak House

2011-02-28T01:39:00.000Z

This may be the Last Post for this establishment; I called here yesterday to enjoy a quiet ten minutes and an espresso before a wedding, only to find the place abandoned and a handwritten note attached to the door informing enquirers of its closure. It is apparently one of three such establishments in the vicinity to have folded since the beginning of the year.

Pretty corner …

2011-02-27T16:41:00.006Z

with one of the Minster School houses in red, and St William's College in black and white. The Minster itself is only a few paces to the left. Strollers going in this direction are greeted round the corner by a selection of enticing boutiques, cafés and the National Trust shop (here and here). Once again, this is snow from a year ago.

St Nicholas Fields

2011-02-26T07:54:00.000Z

St Nicholas Fields nature reserve, just a few minutes' walk from Walmgate Bar, is now a maturing open space, rescued in the late 1980s from an earlier life as a council tip. In its time it has seen a 12th century hospital and church, Civil War fighting and a 19th century brickworks. The latter operated until the 1950s, providing bricks for the construction of Tang Hall estate. Twenty species of butterfly have been recorded here and the reserve also attracts nesting birds, including kingfisher and siskin.

Flash door on St Saviourgate

2011-02-24T01:48:00.000Z

Another dreadful play on words to cover the photographic fault: as well as referring to the device on the camera, flash is also an adjective meaning showy, extra-smart or similar.

Red Tower 2

2011-02-23T01:34:00.001Z

Built in 1490, The Red Tower greets walkers entering or leaving this part of the city's ancient defences at the east of York. It features a couple of times in the Hungate outdoor art exhibition here and another view with accompanying historical notes can be found here.

No cycling

2011-02-22T09:32:00.000Z

this day on the Sustrans cycle path which runs parallel to our street. This picture was taken over a year ago and shows the road bridge taking Tang Hall Lane over the former Derwent Valley Light Railway line, now the Sustrans cycle path. The remaining half mile of the railway to the east of York has been preserved; go here for pictures from 2004 onwards.

Tall towers, tall chimneys

2011-02-21T12:03:00.000Z

The central and twin west towers of York Minster are seen here from the north-west section of the city walls which runs parallel to Gillygate.

More of the same …

2011-02-18T01:51:00.002Z

A typical black and white painted timbered construction on Pavement, opposite Marks and Spencer. The flexion in the lower beam is impressive; the interior doors of these older buildings have to be cut at an odd angle to allow for the slope on the floor, which makes draughtproofing pretty difficult. For another photograph of the same spot showing the Golden Fleece, allegedly the town's most haunted pub, next door, go here.

The second or third best day out in history

2011-02-17T01:23:00.001Z

"The best day out in history" is the Castle Museum strapline, and this is the other wing of the building seen from Clifford's Tower, unfortunately a few minutes too late for the bright winter sun we had been enjoying up to this point.

Yorkshire Army Museum

2011-02-15T18:06:00.000Z

Seen from Clifford's Tower, these Victorian houses are home to the Yorkshire Army Museum. A comprehensive illustrated list of other Yorkshire museums can be found here.

Pigs might sail

2011-02-14T01:32:00.001Z

This pretty houseboat is on the River Ouse, just beyond Skeldergate Bridge. For non-native speakers: the exclamation, "Pigs might fly!" is used to express the improbability of something happening. The French equivalent is, "When chickens have teeth!"

One of the many

2011-02-13T01:00:00.003Z

The Millenium was a year of pedestrian bridge building; one of the most startling crosses the Tyne between Gateshead and Newcastle. York's version is modest by comparison, but provides a very useful, attractive crossing at this end of town connecting Rowntree Park and Bishopsthorpe Road to Fulford Road and the University.

Oh buoy!

2011-02-12T01:30:00.002Z

Half-way between Skeldergate Bridge and the Millenium Bridge, just outside of Rowntree Park, looking over the Ouse to some mock Tudor dwellings. Great that the lifebuoys along this stretch were all in place; not so great that I had to cycle through flood mud to continue my journey.

St Andrew's evangelical

2011-02-11T01:01:00.001Z

This attractive grade II listed building between St Andrewgate and Spen Lane is home to an active open brethren evangelical congregation. It's tempting to join them in order to have free town centre parking. Go here for an aerial view.

Closed in 1559 by Parliament to reduce the number of city centre churches, the chapel has in its time been a stable, school and house of ill repute. It boasts 15th century timber roof structure and a large window in the perpendicular style.

Flood light 3

2011-02-10T01:46:00.001Z

Although this has the added interest of the boat, I prefer this earlier picture because of the light. Thanks to those who commented on the flood photo of a few days ago. I haven't had time to get down to the Ouse to see how much it has overflown this time, but go here to observe how bad it can get.

Clifford's Tower 4

2011-02-09T07:46:00.001Z

Three middle-storey windows seen from inside the more-than-half-ruined tower. There is access to the upper storey where a circular walkway gives panoramic views across the town.

Flood light 2

2011-02-06T01:28:00.000Z

An old one of the relatively light River Ouse floods of a few months ago, taken from the right bank looking towards the town centre.

The best day out in history

2011-02-05T11:26:00.000Z

The neo-classical frontage of the east wing of the Castle Museum from the top of Clifford's Tower. A few moments earlier it had been bathed in late afternoon sun.

All Saints' lantern 4, York

2011-02-04T03:00:00.001Z

Unstraightened, but cropped to remove the traffic, here is All Saints, Pavement viewed from the Stonebow upper level car park. Marks and Spencer is on the right with a pub, hat shop, shoe shop, bank and bakers on the left. More on the church, with pictures of the interior here. This is just round the corner from yesterday's Whip-ma-whop-ma-gate post.

Shortest street, longest name 2

2011-02-03T02:52:00.000Z

Here it is again, and here's where you can you find out what it might mean.

Black Swan detail

2011-02-02T01:27:00.001Z

On Peaseholme Green, just a minute's walk from yesterday's Hungate picture, a popular, traditional pub which hosts York's premier folk music club. If you keep your eyes peeled, you'll notice other black cats lurking superstitiously in odd places around the town.

Hidden Hungate

2011-02-01T01:00:00.002Z

This is the easily-missed St Saviourgate side of Hungate, consisting of only a few linked dwellings on the western side of Stonebow. The eastern side, currently under development will look very different.

Lady in Red 9

2011-01-31T01:00:00.008Z

Seen from the top of Clifford's Tower, a York tour bus waits for passengers opposite a popular Chinese restaurant. The Olive Tree, just out of the picture, offers a Mediterranean fusion menu, whilst around the corner on Castlegate, an authentic French dining experience can be enjoyed at Rustique.

A traction park

2011-01-30T01:00:00.004Z

Attracting a lot of attention in Morrison's supermarket car park, this beautifully maintained Citroën can also be seen here on the traction owners' website. It is a 1949 LHD built in Paris, bought by a local owner in 1987, since when it has done over 100,000 miles.

Having been a doctor's car for 29 years, it was imported to England in 1969, then registered VLM59G, so from the French department of le Nord, of which Lille is the principal town.

Downcomer looking up

2011-01-29T16:47:00.001Z

Posh rain goods on sunny St Saviourgate.