Tuesday 25 May 2010

VIDEO Mother Shipton's Cave Knaresborough , Nth Yorkshire ,England

VIDEO Old Mother Shipton's Cave and Petrifying Well

Knaresborough Castle and Other Attractions By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

Knaresborough is a spa and market town in North Yorkshire. The town itself probably dates back to 1100 as Knaresborough castle was built during Norman times. As with many towns in England it grew to provide services and staff to the nearby castle.

Knaresborough has a bit of infamy top it as the constable of Knaresborough in 1170 along with four other knights murdered the Archbishop at Canterbury cathedral and then hid in Knaresborough castle. The castle tended to frequently be occupied by rebels and at one point in town Scottish rebel burned much of the castle and town. The castle was eventually overtaken by the government and ordered to be destroyed, eventually much of the stone from the castle was used in the town buildings.

If you are in Knaresborough during the summer months then you should attend the Knaresborough bed race. Teams get together and decorate bed frames. The frames are first paraded through town, then stripped of decorations. The beds are then pushed by teams for a race, eventually crossing the river and climbing the muddy bank. The first team to cross the finish line wins. Beds that are not designed properly tend to sink in the river.

Knaresborough also holds an annual Fun Run in May. The money from this event goes to the PTA. There is also a Festival of Entertainment and Visual Arts that occurs during the summer months and is held in the town center.

One famous attraction in Knaresborough is Mother Shipton's Cave and Historic Park. Mary Shipton was a famous prophetess and lived during the time of Elizabeth I and Henry VIII. Alongside the cave is a Petrifying well in which was thought that by bathing in the water you could be miraculously healed.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Estate are lovely estates to visit. They have extensive grounds and the abbey ruins are the largest in Britain. Additionally there is a deer park, temples, cascades, bridges, ornamental lakes, statues, St. Mary's church and an Elizabethian mansion.

Check here for a wide selection of Knaresborough hotels.

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Knaresborough - A Picturesque Town in North Yorkshire in the UK By Steve Allanson

The delightful town of Knaresborough is situated just to the north of the larger North Yorkshire town of Harrogate, both are sighted on the river Nidd which flows down from the picturesque Nidderdale. The town is dominated by the steep valley which reaches down to the river along with its parklands, riverside walks, boating, the famous Knareborough Lido and fantastic views of the spectacular Victorian railway viaduct.

Mother Shipton

Mother Shipton or Ursula Southeil was a Yorkshire prophetess who lived in the time of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. She reputedly made a number of predictions including the Great Fire of London. Legend has it that she was born illegitimately in 1488 in a cave near the town of Knaresborough. She married a local carpenter, Toby Shipton and was made famous soon after her death when books about her prophecies and sayings became best sellers of the day.

The cave where she was reputed to be born is now an enduring local attraction incorporating the cave itself and also the famous petrifying well where waters seeping down through the local rocks leave a layer of limestone on any object left in the waters for long enough.

Other Local Characters

As well as Mother Shipton Knaresbough has been home to a number of famous or infamous characters from history.

Carved into the cliffs of the gorge near to the centre oft he town is the home of hermit St Robert. This can still be visited today.

Blind Jack or John Metcalf is little known but is one of Yorkshires most remarkable residents. He was born in Knaresborough in 1717 and became blind following infection with small pox when he was only six years old. Despite his disability he learned to play the fiddle and whilst doing so he met and fell in love with the daughter of a local hotel. However he then got involved with another woman and had to run away to Scarborough to avoid marrying her.

After numerous adventures he finally walked back to Yorkshire all the way from London and eloped with his first love, Dolly Benson, the day before she was due to be married having believed she had been left for good by John. They lived happily and, after other business ventures and a spell fighting in the disturbances surrounding Bonnie Prince Charlie, Blind Jack was eventually to become a master road builder contributing to the improvement of many significant local roads.

Not bad for a lad blind from the age of 6.

In addition to these the village of Scotton near the town was home for a time to Guy Fawkes and Richard II was imprisoned int he town, if only for one night.

The Railway Viaduct

Built by engineer Thomas Grainger in 1846 the four spans of the viaduct carry the railway some 78 feet above the river Nidd. The building of the viaduct was not straightforward, collapsing when near completion and taking another three and a half years to rebuild.

The end result was certainly worthwhile with its crenelated towers and hexagonal refuges which stand on top of the abutments on the approaches to the bridge proper.

Knaresborough Castle

Built in the 12 century but with major refurbishments carried out by Edward I and Edward II in the 14th century the castle was besieged for six months by parliamentarians in the English Civil war and was partially demolished following the surrender of the royalist forces.

Prior to that somewhat ignominious end the castle had been the favourite summer residence of the wife of Edward III and had also been owned and occupied by John of Gaunt and Henry Bolingbroke. The castle today houses a museum and the grounds offer a place to enjoy spectacular views over the River Gorge.

The Oldest Chemist Shop in the UK Knaresborough is also home to the oldest chemist shop in the country. Stnading in the high street this was opened in 1720. Today the shop is still open but now sells teas and handmade chocolates.

Travel

Knaresborough is served by rail links from Leeds, Harrogate and York by bus from these and other towns and is just 4 miles from the A1M motorway. A super place to spend a weekend or a lazy summer day.

Steve Allanson is a freelance web designer, management consultant, photographer and author.

Details of Yorkshire accommodation near Knaresborough can be found at Yorkshire Accommodation [http://www.best-yorkshire-accommodation.co.uk]

The author's website design business can be found at Yorkshire Web Design

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Allanson

VIDEO Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal (Pt. 1)

VIDEO Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal (Pt. 2)

VIDEO Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal (Pt. 3)

VIDEO Fountains Abbey near Ripon North Yorkshire

VIDEO Fountains Abbey

VIDEO Bolton Abbey - North Yorkshire, England

VIDEO Ripon Cathedral In All It's Glory

VIDEO Ripon Cathedral Bells

Ripon - City of Cathedrals By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

The city of Ripon is well known for it's many cathedrals. Some of which have been standing since the seventh century. As you can see, this is why they are called the cathedral city. They are a must see when visiting Ripon, as the architecture is quite stunning.

Ripon with a population of about sixteen thousand is the seventh smallest city in the United Kingdom. It is also England's second oldest city.

Known for attracting many tourists, Ripon has much to offer. There are enough shops, cafes and restaurants for everyone to find what is to their liking.

Old traditions are proudly kept in Ripon. Besure to pay attention in the town centre at Nine oclock pm. This is when you will hear the blowing of the "wakeman's horn" each evening. This has been ongoing since Ripon's beginning. There is also an open air market dating back to the twelfth century.

A popular place to visit while in Ripon is The prison and police museum, where guests are lead in through the jurors room. Ripon also has a popular court house museum dating back to eighteen thirty, as well as many warehouse museums.

The nearby canal and marina offer Ripon's visitors plentiful opportunity for sailing, fishing and other water activities.

Just ten miles from Ripon you will find "Light water valley theme park". With over forty attractions this park includes one of the world's largest roller coasters, a petting zoo and a steam train, just to name a few.

The town of Hisham is only fifteen miles from Ripon with an ongoing market since thirteen ninety-three. This is also home to the well known Black sheep brewery. Why not stop in for a pint?

With so much to see and do it is no surprise that Ripon is a popular destination for tourists.

Find your next Ripon hotel - here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone

Ripon - North Yorkshire - A Beautiful Market Town By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

Ripon - North Yorkshire - is a city that is located on the banks of the River Ure. It was founded more than 1300 years ago and holds a status as a Cathedral City which has monasteries that date back to the seventh century.

There are many attractions within the city boundaries that include plenty of historic buildings and museums as well as restaurants, cafes, and shops. The most famous building is the cathedral. It is believed that church was first constructed at the site during the year 672 and people have been travelling to worship here ever since. Legend has it that the original structure was begun by Saint Wilfrid who brought glaziers, plasterers, and stonemasons from as far afield as Italy and France. The evidence of this is still visible today in the majestic architecture.

Another interesting site worth visiting is Fountains Abbey. This was founded by thirteen Benedictine monks in the year 1132 that were after a very simple and austere life. Many of the buildings were sold off over the years and today they are now open to the public. There are guided tours and cultural events held in the evenings that include both opera and theatre.

For the fitter individual, a trip can be made to the Brimham Rocks that lie just ten miles outside of Ripon. These were formed out of the sandstone that was built up over hundreds of millions of years over this part of Yorkshire. They have been crafted by the elements into wondrous shapes and designs.

A trip to Ripon would not be complete without a visit to the prestigious Ripon Racecourse. This has been holding events for more than three hundred years and now features a giant screen so that you cane easily watch your horse cross the finishing line.

Ripon is ideally connected to other towns and cities in Yorkshire. Leeds can be reached by road in under an hour and smaller settlements such as Harrogate and Thirsk are even closer.

For accommodation in Ripon check this list of Ripon hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone

Helmsley, North Yorkshire - A Beautiful Market Town By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

Helmsley, North Yorkshire predates the Norman Conquest & is a very beautiful market town in North Yorkshire. Way back all this town was, was a small cluster of properties.

Helmsley has a fortune of history to discover dating way back to 1120's when the famous castle which was rebuilt out of stone and is now the town's skyline. It wasn't until the 1900's that a borough was created by Robert de Roos whereby he then generated tolls and income for the landlord.

Helmsley prospered and thrived under the de Roos family as they continued to build and created the town it is today and the amazing architecture dates back to the seventeenth century. The town then was also known for its weavers, tanners and chandlers. In today's times this wonderful town has become a major tourist attraction.

Tourists frequent the many wonderful galleries and quaint little tea shops as well as the famous market place which is held regularly every Friday. The beautiful ruined castle behind the town is a must to see and a short walk away is the ruined Cistercian abbey at Rievaulx and from this site you are able to look down on the ancient ruins of the Rievaulx Temples and Terrace which is quite breathtaking.

One of the most frequented attractions in Helmsley is the 108 mile walk which starts from the market cross and trails through the North Yorkshire Moors national park. Then there is the Duncombe Park which displays a magnificent mansion which has been home to Duncombe family since the eighteenth century. Helmsley walled garden is absolutely beautiful displaying fruit and vegetables.

The All Saints Church which is a twelfth century master piece richly decorated depicting its history way back to 1147 and was a well loved church. There are also four pubs which were previously coaching inns are set around the market place. You will find architecture dating back to the Tudor times as well.

Castles that are a must visit are Bolton Castle, Clifford's Tower, Helmsley castle, and the Richmond castle. Helmsley is really a fantastic town to visit offering its tourists so much richness and culture and of course the Yorkshire area is strikingly beautiful.

Discover your next hotel in Helmsley or select somewhere to stay from these UK hotels.

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VIDEO Great Trip to Richmond Yorks

VIDEO Richmond Castle - North Yorkshire

Yorkshire's Historical Attractions By Tom Sangers Platinum Quality Author

There is hardly a place in the country where you can visit without stumbling over some great historical attraction, but when planning a visit to a location with the historical eminence of Yorkshire, it is important to consider the wealth of attractions in advance. This will allow you to arrange your trip so that you can comfortably see and enjoy each of the many meaningful sites that you hope to encounter. Preparing a potential plan of attack ahead of time will ensure the success of your trip.

The following are only a small sampling of the historical attractions to be found in Yorkshire. They are split into categories that may be more helpful to travelers trying to sort through the wealth of culturally enriching activities available to them. Yorkshire is home to hundreds of years of military, industrial, and literary history and a great many sites have been preserved for future generations. In addition, there are reenactments and interactive history events available for those visitors who wish to see history in action.

Museums

* National Railway Museum
* York Castle Prison at York Castle Museum
* MAGNA Science Adventure Centre
* Streetlife Hull Museum of Transport
* National Media Museum
* World of James Herriot
* JORVIK Viking Centre
* Bronte Parsonage Museum

Military Heritage

* Royal Armouries Museum
* Eden Camp
* Yorkshire Air Museum
* York and Lancaster Regimental Museum
* York Cold War Bunker
* Royal Air Force Holmpton Bunker Tours
* Richmond Castle

Churches

* York Minster
* Beverley Minster
* Ripon Cathedral
* St. Hildas Church
* St John the Evangelist
* The Church of St Michael and All Angels

Industrial Heritage

* UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire and Salt's Mill
* National Coal Mining Museum
* The North Yorkshire Moors Railway
* Kirklees Light Railway
* Wilberforce House
* Bradford Industrial Museum
* Leeds Industrial Museum
* Wortley Top Forge
* W R Outhwaite and Son, Ropemakers
* Kelham Island Museum
* Coine Valley Museum
* Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

The Fellsman

Castles and Ruins

* Scarborough Castle
* Helmsley Castle
* Conisbrough Castle
* Skipton Castle
* Middleham Castle
* Richmond Castle
* Ripley Castle
* Roche Abbey
* Rievaulx Abbey
* Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
* Bolton Abbey
* Whitby Abbey

Gardens and Parks

* Newby Hall and Gardens
* Sheffield Botanical Gardens
* Thorpe Perrow Arboretum
* Wenthworth Woodhouse Gardens
* The Harewood Himalayan Garden

This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Raven Hall Whitby Hotels, providing fantastic luxury Whitby Accommodation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Sangers

Tom Sangers - EzineArticles Expert Author

An Introduction to Richmond, North Yorkshire By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

Richmond is a small market town in the county of North Yorkshire in the north of England. It has a population of about nine thousand and is located on the edge of the national park of the Yorkshire Dales. It is also the administrative town of the Richmondshire district.

Richmond is an ancient town, founded by the Normal, Alan Rufus in the year 1071. The castle was constructed shortly after and completed in 1086. It is now the area of the Market Place. The castle is a major local attraction, being completely intact and still well maintained.

The town's market place still hosts a weekly market as is also home to various points of interest such as a couple of museums and the Old Trinity Church. There is also a local theatre scene and a Georgian era theatre was founded there in 1788 by Samuel Butler, the actor.

Richmond is also notable as being a town with literally dozens of other towns around the world being named after it. The town is surrounded by history and legend and as a result of this, it has become a popular tourist destination as many places in Yorkshire.

Richmond is known for having changed little over the centuries and it still retains a variety of shops, pubs and accommodation options. However, it no longer has a functioning railway as its station was one of the many closed by the infamous Beeching Axe.

The golden days of the town were in the Georgian era, when much of the town prospered and a number of impressive buildings and fine examples of Georgian architecture were constructed. It was also the site the one of the very first gas works ever constructed in Europe. The centre of the town still retains many cobbled streets and a busy market place.

For a wide selection of Richmond hotels, just click here.

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