Goodramgate shops and signs

Originally Gutherumgate, after a local warrior, this street goes back to the Viking period 1100 years ago. It contains architecture spanning 700 years, including the oldest row of dwellings in York (1316). For more well-researched information go here.

Beauty and the beast?

To follow on from yesterday's post, this is the contrast which helps explain the uproar about the Stonebow tower.  Though the present St Saviour's is 15th century, there are older remains from the 11th onwards. It now houses DIG, a hands-on discovery of York's archeology through the ages. 

Stonebow

The appearance of this example of late 1950s New Brutalism created an uproar in the town. For an interesting account of the development, including a photo of the area before the concrete went up, go here.

Every cloud, Goodramgate

The front of an empty shop on York's Goodramgate, part advertising, part street prettification. Any takers? It's in the heart of York, opposite the Old White Swan and five minutes on foot from the Minster. 

Exhibition Square fountains, York

This is a busy rather than a pretty scene, though York's architectural features are always attractive. If the pink shop grabs your interest, follow the Mary Shortle label. This is not our first post on Exhibition Square, just off Bootham Bar, the north-western gate to the city, but it is the first to include the fountain. For views of the gate-tower and cathedral from this point, follow the labels below.

Gray's Court house and garden, York

A view of the other side of Gray's Court house, taken from the north-eastern walls. On a good day you can eat and drink out in the garden on the other side of the fence. There are sheltered areas should it get too hot; it does happen!

For the history of Gray's Court, follow the link in yesterday's post.

Gray's Court, York, inside and out

Between the Minster and the north-eastern walls, just off Chapter House Street, is Gray's Court. If ever you come to York, this is where we'll take coffee or lunch. We were fortunate enough to get this comfy window spot Saturday gone. More photos of the interior will follow, but the panelled interior of the window seat can be seen below. 

For the fascinating history of Gray's Court, which dates back in part to 1080,  call in at  the site.