A York in the Road

Another one of my favourite towns. Rich in history from Roman, Viking through to modern times there is plenty to see and do. Arriving late in the afternoon we took off around York via the Roman walls, probably the best way to see the township, I reckon. The following few days were spent, rather productively, viewing all the tourist spots. From the York Castle museum to Clifford’s Tower, the fabulous York Minster, St Mary’s Abbey and of course the Jorvik Viking Centre. I have touched on this place previously in my 1995 trip but it is fascinating to travel through the archaeological remains of the Viking village – complete with all the sights and smells associated with it. York Minster is an amazing piece of architecture and I am forever in awe every time I see it. One attraction which I was pleasantly surprised at was the museum. It told the story of York’s past in a unique way by reconstructing various timeframes. A complete Victorian street scene had been built and it is quite a weird feeling to walk along the cobble stoned street and be able to enter shops and view the goods as if you were actually there. You half expect Jack the Ripper to step out of the shadows. Or the Yorkshire Ripper maybe?

Once the main touristy things were out of the way the real joy comes from walking the streets and alleyways and finding little treasures yourself. Small pubs reportedly associated with famous Highwayman Dick Turpin are aplenty, as are establishments which claim to be haunted. I think York must be one of the most haunted towns in the world if all reports are correct.

The Double had been won, was it now possible for the Treble?

My final day spent in York was crowned off by watching the FA Cup final between Man U and Newcastle. Man U dominated the game and were deserved 2-0 winners. The Double had been won, was it now possible for the Treble? One game remained – the final of the Champion’s League. Surely the Gods had smiled on this team.