Pontefract has a medieval core, a market place and liquorice fields. It also has an unusual church that was given a hard time in the civil war. As well as a octagonal tower it has a double helix staircase up to the bell tower so that bell ringers could climb interdependently (one from the inside and the other from the outside) without bumping in to one another. I am sure this was important but I am at loss to see why!
.
Pontefract also has the remains of a fine castle but little remains after the locals had nicked the stone. One of the structures still standing, was a building where gardeners kept their gear, had a medieval ambiance.
.
York Railway Museum is a national treasure but this group of gods and national symbols look a bit bored and forlorn down in the basement.
.
The railway line that used to run through Thurgoland supported the first electric trains in the country and an example is displayed in the York museum.
.
The plaque on the other side of the engine exudes the pride in its industrial might that Britain once felt.
.
Southwell Minister is Norman at its heart but its glory is in the carving in and around the Chapter House. The "Leaves of Southwell" are best viewed on the cathedral's website but I could not resist trying to capture some of its wonder.
http://www.southwellminster.org/index.html
.
.
.
The local stone must have been poor as there are many repairs. It reminded me of the story of Shakespeare's "original" broom despite having six new heads and five new handles.
.
.
A trip to Louth included a visit to Alford. After avoiding a cloudburst I noticed this alley near the market place.
.
Malhamdale has a unique atmosphere. We walked up to the cove but our awe failed to be inspired. The limestone pavement was another matter entirely
.
.
.
Gordale Scar was wonderfully impressive. There had been heavy overnight rain which swelled the torrent magnificently.
.
.
Janet's Foss is a charming moss covered valley just below Gordale Scar. Janet was the queen of the local fairies and I think we bumped in to her in the Buck Inn the previous evening.
.
