A Shambles and a Minster

Today we saw the city of York, famous for its cathedral York Minster. We left the hotel and drove into town, wisely leaving the car just outside the city walls (actual medieval city walls). We walked through the centre of town, passing through a medieval street known as The Shambles with overhanging timber-frame buildings, many of which date back to the 14^th century. Apparently the name comes from it’s original use (open meat market) but it feels like it should relate to the layout – a complete shambles. A number of small sweet shops, jewellery and even a market in a tiny area.

We found the cathedral of York Minster which is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe (alongside Cologne in Germany). Officially it’s The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York but is known as York Minster because a church existed here back in the Anglosaxon times. Construction of the current cathedral began back in 1220 (to replace older cathedrals) and it has undergone a few transformations since. Fortunately we were allowed to take photos inside, so there are some to enjoy.

During work to strengthen the foundations back in the 70’s, they discovered the ruins of a previous Roman buildings and the Norman cathedral (13^th century). They keep the area open and the Undercroft now serves as a permanent exhibition to these discoveries.

 

Finally we drove onto London, dodging rain the entire way. We returned our faithful rental car and Genny the GPS (both who served us well) and made it to the hotel. Back in London for one night only!