You didn't catch a cold did you? You sound like you're a little ho(a)rse.
I am looking forward to hearing all the details when you are a bit more lively.
Returning from the cafes of York,
Hi Jack
You're getting very good at this poetry malarky
I'm still a little sluggish today! I must have walked for miles while I was away. That's the great thing about York everything is within easy walking distance. History is everywhere you look and you can feel it.
King George VI once remarked, "The history of York is the history of England". He was not exaggerating. The city has passed through the hands of Romans, Saxons, Vikings, and Normans. It has been the scene of battles that helped determine the fate of the entire nation, and its rich range of architectural and cultural remains is unique in Britain.On Monday we visited the Minster. We were there for several hours. We even crept into the crypt where they have an amazing exhibition detailing the remarkable history of York and the preservation work needed to save the Minster. We watched the stonemasons who are working to restore some of the exterior. There is a small section of scaffolding and you could have an escorted trip on it if you fancied it. Not for me!! I did offer to wait for Eve while she went
On Tuesday we lunched at Betty's Tea Rooms. We had cheese and ham sarnies followed by raspberry macaroons which were scrummy
After lunch we visited the National Railway Museum. It was a little disappointing as a large part of it was closed for renovations and alterations. We did see the Mallard and the Japanese Bullet train and Stephenson's Rocket. When I visited previously they had created a platform outside with a carriage from the royal train amongst other things. Nevertheless we thoroughly enjoyed it.
On Wednesday we visited Knaresborough. It poured in the morning and after a visit to the castle we dived into a cafe for lunch and a cuppa. We then set off for Mother Shipton's Cave.
Mother Shipton was born Ursula Sontheil in 1488, during the reign of Henry VII, father of Henry VIII. Although little is known about her parents, legend has it that she was born during a violent thunderstorm in a cave on the banks of the River Nidd in Knaresborough. Her mother, Agatha, was just fifteen years old when she gave birth, and despite being dragged before the local magistrate, she would not reveal who the father was.Mother Shipton is England's most famous Prophetess. She foretold the fates of several rulers within and just after her lifetime, as well as the invention of iron ships, the Great Fire of London in 1666, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.It was a lovely warm sunny afternoon and we had a beautiful walk by the River Nidd through a wooded area to the Cave where there is also a petrifying well known as a dropping well. Things are hung up and turn to stone.
Thursday was a warm sunny day. We walked some of the walls and ended up at Clifford's Tower. It's what remains of York Castle built by William the Conquerer in the eleventh century. It was a bit too high for me so I waited while Eve went up and admired the view!
Afterwards we hopped on a boat for a ride down the river with a running commentary by the Skipper.
I haven't done this wonderful city justice but it was a brilliant few days and very enjoyable. The time went far too quickly.