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  • in reply to: The Wars of the Roses #15097
    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    As the war was between the House of York and the House of Lancaster rather than the towns of Lancaster and York I tend to not mention it, unless asked specifically about it.
    I think that many associate it with the two towns…..

    in reply to: Why is Goodramgate so wide for such an ancient street? #15073
    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    Standing at the junction with Deangate and looking down Goodramgate you wil;l notice that the houses that form “Lady’s Row” (Opposite that horrible 1960’s Building that the Yorkshire Trading Company currently occupy) would give a much narrower Goodramgate. The houses date from 1316 and show the original “building line” of the street.
    All of the shops on the right are set back.
    Does that help?
    I have a photograph from 1915 taken from outside the Cross Keys looking down Goodramgate that is interesting to compare whit today’s view.
    Pop me an email if you want a copy (Mick@popka.co.uk)

    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    According to the University of York Website (https://www.york.ac.uk/about/campus/history/):
    “While petitions were drawn up as early as 1617, permission to establish a university in York was not granted until 1960. The development of the University and its vision was headed by Baron James of Rusholme, the university’s first Vice-Chancellor.

    With Heslington Hall and The King’s Manor as the primary venues, the University opened its doors in October 1963 to 230 students and 28 staff.”

    I also asked “Chat-GPT” and got the following answer:

    “The absence of a university in York, North Yorkshire, until 1960 can be attributed to various historical and socio-economic factors. Here are a few possible reasons:

    Historical development: York has a rich historical background, with its origins dating back to the Roman period. However, for much of its history, York primarily served as an ecclesiastical and administrative center rather than an educational hub. The city’s focus was on its religious institutions, such as York Minster, and its role as a regional seat of power, rather than establishing a university.

    Dominance of Oxford and Cambridge: In the past, higher education in England was largely concentrated in Oxford and Cambridge. These two ancient universities held a monopoly on formal education, and their dominance persisted for many centuries. The establishment of universities outside these traditional centers was relatively uncommon.

    Economic factors: Building and maintaining a university requires substantial financial resources. In the early 20th century, York was primarily an industrial city, with its economy centered around manufacturing and railway industries. The city’s economic priorities may have limited the available funds and resources to establish and support a university.

    Competition from nearby universities: York’s proximity to other established universities might have played a role in delaying the establishment of a university in the city. The University of Leeds, located approximately 25 miles southwest of York, was already serving the educational needs of the region. The presence of a nearby university may have reduced the urgency or demand for a separate university in York.

    It’s worth noting that these factors are speculative and may not fully capture the complexities of the historical context. The specific circumstances surrounding the establishment of a university in York would require a more detailed analysis of local history, politics, and educational development during that time period.”

    in reply to: The Upside Down Tree (Opened on behalf of Mike Young) #14949
    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    You can order one from here…..

    https://www.wollemipine.co.uk/acatalog/Wollemi_Pine.html

    Except, they’re out of stock!

    in reply to: The Upside Down Tree (Opened on behalf of Mike Young) #14921
    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    Hi Mike,
    Excellent question!

    The Upside Down Tree always features in my presentation.

    After explaining how the Yorkshire Philosophical Society rented the site and installed a Zoological garden (closed after various animals escaped) and herborial gardens including the fern garden.

    I always make a point of asking the participants:

    “So, what do you think that is then?”

    The “upside down tree” was a Victorian popularity – “We all know what a tree looks like, above the ground, however under the ground they are all very similar, with capillary roots that absorb the water”.

    I also point out that it was an industrious gardener who decided to trim the roots and tidy up what they thought was a “mess”.

    On one of my walks, someone actually asked if it was anything to do with “Black Magic”, which I answered by mentioning that the only Black Magic in York was produced by Rowntrees!

    BTW: Did you know that the Museum Gardens was planted with one example of every shrub and tree that is native to the UK?

    I didn’t until I read it in a book about the gardens!

    I have lots of other “Stuff” that may be of interest to you……and your presentation!

    Regards
    Mick

    in reply to: But where are the bones? #14517
    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    It may be worth asking the Yorkshire Museum and/or the York Archaeological Trust.
    I’m sure they will have had some involvement in the project.

    in reply to: Where are the Statues from the East End of the Minster? #14516
    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    Thank you for that Keith.
    As you will be aware many Cathedrals in France have statues displayed on the exterior – Thankfully Henry VIII and his followers did not have their way there!

    in reply to: Ken Briggs 3rd morning tour 20 Sept #14353
    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    Hi Ken,
    I gave up on the mask on my first walk on Saturday 5th September as it steamed up immediately, together with my glasses.
    I resorted to the cloth facemask and realised that this muffled what I was actually saying.
    Since then I have not worn a mask but ensured that social distancing was enforced between myself and the tour members.
    I found the most interesting route was to turn from Museum Street into St. Leonards and viewed the missing wall between Bootham Bar, together with the depth gap between the Roman wall remains and the Mediaeval wall.

    in reply to: Access to the Multangular Tower #14336
    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    Barrie,
    Apologies, I was unaware of the current discussions between the committee and Explore York.
    I withdraw the suggestion of entering through the closed gate.
    Regards
    Mick

    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    Alison,
    Please see my later post on access to the Multangular tower……

    in reply to: Starting the walk in Inclement Weather #14331
    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    Hi Judith,
    Thanks for the update on the “Post Covid” situation with inclement weather!
    Obviously my message of 2th February was in the “Pre-Covid” world!

    Places that come to mind are:
    Under the new Ceramics extension at the back of the Art Gallery
    Under the portico of the Yorkshire Museum
    Inside “Explore” (Library) building
    Under Bootham Bar
    In the alleyway next to “The Hole in the Wall”
    Grays Court, as you mentioned,
    The archway by the National Trust Shop is available together with the alleyway beside the “Chinese Laundry” in Goodramgate.
    Also on Goodramgate are the 1960’s shops (Tesco), opposite Lady Row.
    On the Shambles there are several alleyways from Newgate market to the Shambles.
    Then the alleyway next to St Crux Church Hall.

    The Visit York office sells pocket sized umbrellas, if you need them in a hurry!

    Regards
    Mick

    in reply to: Ken Briggs on the morning tour 1 September 2020 #14326
    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    Thanks for that Ken,
    I did a “Dry Run” on Tuesday and took the route down the left hand side of St Leonards to include the small piece of roman wall.
    At the East End of the minster I walked down Chapter House Street into Ogleforth and then to the base of Monk Bar,
    Then back up Goodramgate and past George Hudson’s shop to St Williams College.
    I think that was about 2 hours, along the way I “collected” a couple of visitors who were happy to walk along and hear the tales….

    in reply to: Coronavirus Update – Advice from Committee #14138
    Mick.Popka
    Participant

    Hi,
    I hope this finds you well.

    The Government is now (12th June 2020)gradually easing the “Lockdown” and has announced that non-essential shops will be permitted to commence trading from Monday 15th June.

    Is it possible to share the current thoughts and plans of the committee with a view t the resumption of the guided tours?

    Thank you.
    Mick

Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total)