Why is it that whenever I see Jakesprinter’s new challenge, a song comes into my head? This week’s topic Road had the same effect, and I’ve found myself singing McCartney’s “The Long and Winding Road” at intervals all week. Surely a hint, and time to put pen to paper.
The road I had in mind was my long and sometimes deviating road through life. Slightly crazy in my youth, I guess I haven’t really changed as much as I might think. Mellowed, shall we say?
I imagined taking you on a photographic oddessy through my life, but I’ve settled instead for an illustration of one of it’s many twists. This week I am escorting my lovely Polish niece, Basia, around England’s north east. Lively Newcastle-on-Tyne, and Durham’s inspiring Castle tour both scored hits. Even the spell on the roof of Durham Cathedral, clutching umbrellas damply, didn’t spoil our enthusiasm. But it was in historic York that I had to marvel at the ability of some of England’s roads to adapt and survive.
York Minster, the Cathedral
Stonegate is at the heart of the walled city of York, which was founded by the Romans in 71AD. Six feet below its pavement lies the Via Praetoria, which connected the Roman fortress to the civilian settlement of Eboracum (York) across the River Ouse. The name Stonegate is thought to derive from the quantity of stone transported along it during the building of York Minster.
In the Middle Ages the road fell under the jurisdiction of the Minster, and was home to goldsmiths, printers and glassmakers, trades related to the Cathedral. Today Stonegate is a pedestrianised hub of tourism.
A touch of whimsy as the “statue” pedals down Stonegate
So many shops to choose from
Some a little strange
Some, not so strange
Some, more traditional
But the antiquity cannot be denied
Fashioning gold and painting glass must have been thirsty work
Such a stylish emporium!
A little fashion?
With a hint of refinement, even at Sale time
I can’t help liking them all.
This road has certainly withstood the test of time.
I am again indebted to Jakesprinter for hosting his Sunday Post. Follow the links or the dragon logo to see other interpretations of this weeks challenge. What does the word road conjure for you? Why not join in, if not now, then next week?
What a charming place and I’m sure your niece wasn’t disappointed. The best part was the freedom to stroll without having to watch traffic or smell fumes.
It’s a beautiful city Lynne, but a little too touristy in places. It’s easy to see why though.
Beautiful post my friend for this week theme,
Thanks for sharing your great photography collection
Thanks Jake. It’s a pleasure to take you exploring.
I like your road. The streets and buildings remind me of something I saw on TV of the Swiss Alps.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
It’s living history, Francine. You can walk around the city walls too.
As soon as I saw your photos, I knew exactly where they were
A truly wonderful city, which your photos portray so well.
Excellent!
Love that feeling when you recognise somewhere you’ve been on your travels, Vicky. It draws you right in. When were you there? Thank you!
Hi Jo.
I’ve been many times, which is probably why I recognised it so easily.
My earliest memories of York, were the school visits to Rowntrees.
Nowadays I just love the buildings and the narrow streets, which your photos portray so well.
Good read, gorgeous photos!!! Cheers Nonoy Manga
Many thanks, Nonoy. I’m a whirlwind of visits and photos this week!
What a charming town! Love those shops!
If “Olde Worlde” is your style, it’s fabulous, if a little busy. Thanks, Amy.
Stonegate looks like such a charming window-shopping town! And I found it amusing that “purpleman” has his own twitter account!
Me too, Zoe, and he never batted an eyelid as I took the snap!
Stonegate looks like the perfect destination choice for a visit with your niece…the more shops, the better!
Yes, 16 year old girl heaven, Elisa.
Lovely pictures, gorgeous City. I know what you mean about touristy – York, Bath, Mont Saint Michel, have all become pastiches of themselves. Minster Cathedral is tautology. Most cities have Cathedrals but York is different in having a Minster.
I was in Cambridge recently, Viv, and felt the same, but so quintessentially English, you have to love them. Sorry about the tautology- wasn’t sure if people would appreciate that it is a cathedral. I will rectify.
Reminds me that I must visit York again soon – thanks!
Feet firmly back on English soil, Andrew? Yes, we have some lovely cities, don’t we?
thanks for the lovely trip jo, i would like to browse in those shops and find a cosy corner for a cup of tea … and so interesting to know the old roman road is still there underneath
So many lovely tea shops, Christine, including famous “Betty’s”. We actually had a picnic as it was too nice to be indoors (most unusual, this summer).
York is a beautiful city – I visited for the first time two years ago. The Railway Museum is an excellent stop off too. Great post Jo
Thanks Suze. We often did the Railway Museum when James was young.
Very nice. To me, York is incomparable, but Yorkshire people always say that. I’ve also spent a lot of time there, wearing one hat or another so have viewed it from many different perspectives. Your photos of Stonegate are lovely and capture the street so well. Very enjoyable post.
Many thanks. Where exactly do you hail from originally? I’m loyal to Durham City in the same way.
The West Riding, but as far as York goes, I’ve visited on lots of days trips, weekends, worked on a dig there, stayed at the uni, been to conferences and meetings, and latterly when my parents moved near there, it was our local city. As you can guess from my comments on your other posts though, I’m not picky about Yorkshire, I think every part has its attraction – as do other counties, but being bigger it has a lot of variety.
I agree. I still haven’t made it to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park or Nostell Priory, and we love our gardens.
An extremely old photo of Bretton/the Sculpture Park:
http://everypicturetellsone.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/bretton-hall/
I don’t have one of Nostell, which is beautiful. Used to drive past there so often
I must put some more Yks photos on that blog and bore everyone silly
Thank you!
What lovely buildings. The one with the date 1434 under it´s window looks very much like the “London Court” building in Perth, fashioned like an old London house. I will have to write a post about it, as I find it´s so pretty.
Oh please do, Sami. I love it when one post leads to another.
You’ve captured the area’s Old World charm so well, Jo!
Thanks Tricia. It has it in abundance!
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Nice post Jo. Did you treat your neice to the giant Yorkshire Pudding with gravy!
No, but she had 3 smaller ones with a roast dinner on Tuesday and Sunday, and she’s a fan! Also of volleyball, so we’ve been cheering on the Polish team in the Olympics.
I like the ‘statue’ – very clever. Great photos!
Thanks Elaine. He’s fun, isn’t he? There was a recent photo challenge themed “purple” and he would have made the perfect entry.
Americans like to name their shops “the olde shoppe this and the olde shoppe that. There’s a Vitamin Shoppe circa 1970s and it cracks me up every time I read the date. Nothing beats the original “Olde Worlde”
We have so much of it still- it’s amazing! Thanks for stopping by Ana.
Stonegate seems to be a very special street, very British I might add. And it looks like a great place to wander around – and take photos. Great series of photographs that brings the life of Stonegate to the viewer.
Thank you so much, sir- that’s praise indeed! I struggled with reflections in the shop windows, but decided it added to the atmosphere. It was pretty nigh impossible to take photos without people in, so you had to be quick.
I love York!
I’m glad! It’s a fine city.
Those shops are irresistible. Such a fun and colorful place to visit. The purple statue…was that a real person? That was pretty good! Awesome post my friend.
Yes, he was real alright. I half expected him to jump off his bike and come after me for some cash! Thank you.
Nice post!!!
Lovely pictures!!!
Simply amazing tour!!!!
Thanks!
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
Thanks, it’s such a pleasure.
Charming and atmospheric! Love how most of the buildings still retain their old world facades! Thanks Jo.
Thanks Madhu. It’s such a survivor of a street.
I certainly enjoyed this “road” tour!
Thank you. Glad you came along for the ride.