Saturday 5 June 2010
York Minster By Jonathan J. Platinum Quality Author
As one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, York Minster is also one of the oldest, the first church on the site being constructed of wood around 627 AD, its purpose being to provide a place of baptism for the Anglo Saxon King Edwin of Northumbria. Edwin later set out to have the church rebuilt in stone, but he was killed during a battle in 633 and the completion of the stone church was left to his successor Oswald. Oswald saw the completion of the new building on the site around 630 AD with the church being dedicated to Saint Peter.
The stone church survived through the Viking age but was badly damaged by fire in 1069 when the invading Normans took control of the city. This year also saw the death of Ealdred, who is now buried in the minster. The Danish invaders destroyed much of what was left of the church in 1075, but it was rebuilt again around 1080, in the Norman style. The Gothic style of cathedrals arrived around the 12th century and Walter de Gray, the archbishop in 1215, ordered the re-construction of the church in the new Gothic style drawing comparisons with the then Canterbury cathedral. The north and south transepts were rebuilt first, followed by an impressive central tower topped with a wooden spire. Walter de Gray died before this was completed. In 1407 the central tower of the minster collapsed and the work to replace it took around 25 years. Between 1433 and 1472 the Western towers were added and the Minster that we see today was finally completed and had taken roughly 250 years to build.
The period of the English Reformation introduced the first Anglican archbishop and also saw the church loose ownership of much of its land. Under the protestant queen Elizabeth I, there was a great effort to remove traces of the Roman Catholic church from the cathedral, and this period saw a great deal of looting of much of the cathedral's treasures, as well as destruction of altars, tombs, and windows. The English Civil War saw the city of York besieged by the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1644, but Thomas Fairfax managed to limit further damage to the cathedral.
Around the 1730's the whole floor of the Minster was replaced with patterned marble, and from 1800 onwards there was a major scheme of restoration. In 1829 an arson attack by an insane Jonathan Martin inflicted heavy damage on the east transcept, and left the nave, south west tower, and south aisle roofless and blackened. It was after this event that the Minster police began to take a more active role in the protection of the building. The Minster constables were already in existence before the fire of 1829 but the act was to be a turning point in the care of the building. At a meeting in 1829, the Dean decreed that 'Henceforward a watchman/constable shall be employed to keep watch every night in and about the cathedral'. The new watchman could have been Thomas Marshall since we know from church records that he was employed by the Dean and Chapter until 1854 on a wage of fourty one pounds and twelve shillings per year.
The 20th century has seen a significant amount of preservation work. A structural survey undertaken in 1967 revealed that the central tower was close to collapse and two million pounds was raised was spent to reinforce and strengthen the building foundations and roof. A fire in 1984 destroyed the roof in the south transept, and roughly £2.5 million was spent on repairs. In 2007 renovation began on the eastern front of the building, including the Great East Window, at a staggering cost of £23 million.
The Minster is a continual restoration project. The latest project titled "York Minster Revealed" is a five-year project with a £10m Heritage Fund grant which is primarily aimed at training craftsmen and women in the specialist skills of stone-masonry and stained glass conservation - skills which are pivotal to the continual work on this magnificent gothic building.
You can find more information about the Historical buildings of York, England at the York Hotels Guide where Jonathan writes
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_J.
The stone church survived through the Viking age but was badly damaged by fire in 1069 when the invading Normans took control of the city. This year also saw the death of Ealdred, who is now buried in the minster. The Danish invaders destroyed much of what was left of the church in 1075, but it was rebuilt again around 1080, in the Norman style. The Gothic style of cathedrals arrived around the 12th century and Walter de Gray, the archbishop in 1215, ordered the re-construction of the church in the new Gothic style drawing comparisons with the then Canterbury cathedral. The north and south transepts were rebuilt first, followed by an impressive central tower topped with a wooden spire. Walter de Gray died before this was completed. In 1407 the central tower of the minster collapsed and the work to replace it took around 25 years. Between 1433 and 1472 the Western towers were added and the Minster that we see today was finally completed and had taken roughly 250 years to build.
The period of the English Reformation introduced the first Anglican archbishop and also saw the church loose ownership of much of its land. Under the protestant queen Elizabeth I, there was a great effort to remove traces of the Roman Catholic church from the cathedral, and this period saw a great deal of looting of much of the cathedral's treasures, as well as destruction of altars, tombs, and windows. The English Civil War saw the city of York besieged by the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1644, but Thomas Fairfax managed to limit further damage to the cathedral.
Around the 1730's the whole floor of the Minster was replaced with patterned marble, and from 1800 onwards there was a major scheme of restoration. In 1829 an arson attack by an insane Jonathan Martin inflicted heavy damage on the east transcept, and left the nave, south west tower, and south aisle roofless and blackened. It was after this event that the Minster police began to take a more active role in the protection of the building. The Minster constables were already in existence before the fire of 1829 but the act was to be a turning point in the care of the building. At a meeting in 1829, the Dean decreed that 'Henceforward a watchman/constable shall be employed to keep watch every night in and about the cathedral'. The new watchman could have been Thomas Marshall since we know from church records that he was employed by the Dean and Chapter until 1854 on a wage of fourty one pounds and twelve shillings per year.
The 20th century has seen a significant amount of preservation work. A structural survey undertaken in 1967 revealed that the central tower was close to collapse and two million pounds was raised was spent to reinforce and strengthen the building foundations and roof. A fire in 1984 destroyed the roof in the south transept, and roughly £2.5 million was spent on repairs. In 2007 renovation began on the eastern front of the building, including the Great East Window, at a staggering cost of £23 million.
The Minster is a continual restoration project. The latest project titled "York Minster Revealed" is a five-year project with a £10m Heritage Fund grant which is primarily aimed at training craftsmen and women in the specialist skills of stone-masonry and stained glass conservation - skills which are pivotal to the continual work on this magnificent gothic building.
You can find more information about the Historical buildings of York, England at the York Hotels Guide where Jonathan writes
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_J.
Experience the History of York By Isla Campbell
One of Britain's most famous buildings can be found in the picturesque city of York, which lies midway between Edinburgh and London. Seat of the Archbishop of York, York Minster is an architectural jewel and the largest medieval cathedral in England.
The building has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a small wooden church.
King Edwin of Northumbria transformed the wooden structure into a stone building which fell into disrepair before being rebuilt in 670 by the Bishop of York, St Wilfrid. The building as it stands today was started by Archbishop Walter de Grey in 1220 and was built over two centuries, completing in 1472.
Significant architecturally as well as historically the Minster housed Emperor Constantine, the Roman buildings in which he lived still stand beneath the central tower today. The local Saxon king was baptised here by St Paulinus and many of the Archbishops of York are buried at the Minster, including St William of York.
The Minster itself offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The stained glass Great East Window is a vast expanse which spans the size of a tennis court and is the largest medieval example of its kind in the whole world. Not just of interest to art lovers this unique spectacle really is a sight to behold. The cathedral is also home to a 10.8 tonne bell known as 'Great Peter' whose presence rings around the city walls.
The minsters history can be discovered through a trip to the cathedral where you can see the Quire and Chapter House, the Undercroft where Emperor Constantine lived, as well as the Treasury and Crypt. A climb to the top of the Central Tower rewards you with an excellent view across the medieval streets of historic York and to the countryside beyond. Plenty to keep even the most inquisitive of us occupied for the day.
Out with the Minster, York as a city has a plethora of offerings to suit all tastes. York museum is set amidst quintessentially English gardens and contains some of the finest archeological and geological specimens to be found in the region. In addition, the railway and castle museums mean any heritage lovers will be spoilt for choice.
The JORVIK Viking Centre transports you back in time and reconstructs York's Viking history, depicting the streets as they would have been in the year 975AD.
You can also make the most of the great outdoors and take a guided walking tour of the city, discovering its haunted past. Taking to the river is another possibility as boat trips run day and night and allow you to relax and take in the ever changing views of the city from a different viewpoint.
Whatever your taste and budget there are plenty of hotels near York Minster to choose from and staying in the centre of the city gives you the perfect starting point from which to explore all this historical city has to offer.
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isla_Campbell
The building has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a small wooden church.
King Edwin of Northumbria transformed the wooden structure into a stone building which fell into disrepair before being rebuilt in 670 by the Bishop of York, St Wilfrid. The building as it stands today was started by Archbishop Walter de Grey in 1220 and was built over two centuries, completing in 1472.
Significant architecturally as well as historically the Minster housed Emperor Constantine, the Roman buildings in which he lived still stand beneath the central tower today. The local Saxon king was baptised here by St Paulinus and many of the Archbishops of York are buried at the Minster, including St William of York.
The Minster itself offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The stained glass Great East Window is a vast expanse which spans the size of a tennis court and is the largest medieval example of its kind in the whole world. Not just of interest to art lovers this unique spectacle really is a sight to behold. The cathedral is also home to a 10.8 tonne bell known as 'Great Peter' whose presence rings around the city walls.
The minsters history can be discovered through a trip to the cathedral where you can see the Quire and Chapter House, the Undercroft where Emperor Constantine lived, as well as the Treasury and Crypt. A climb to the top of the Central Tower rewards you with an excellent view across the medieval streets of historic York and to the countryside beyond. Plenty to keep even the most inquisitive of us occupied for the day.
Out with the Minster, York as a city has a plethora of offerings to suit all tastes. York museum is set amidst quintessentially English gardens and contains some of the finest archeological and geological specimens to be found in the region. In addition, the railway and castle museums mean any heritage lovers will be spoilt for choice.
The JORVIK Viking Centre transports you back in time and reconstructs York's Viking history, depicting the streets as they would have been in the year 975AD.
You can also make the most of the great outdoors and take a guided walking tour of the city, discovering its haunted past. Taking to the river is another possibility as boat trips run day and night and allow you to relax and take in the ever changing views of the city from a different viewpoint.
Whatever your taste and budget there are plenty of hotels near York Minster to choose from and staying in the centre of the city gives you the perfect starting point from which to explore all this historical city has to offer.
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isla_Campbell
The Best Things to See in York By Isla Campbell
York is one of England's most beautiful cities. Built on centuries of history, York has a sense of majesty that's hard to ignore. Amongst the quaint little streets of the city centre lurks a notion of greatness that you only really have to turn the corner to discover. Because, with such incredibly sights like York Minster and Clifford's Tower right in the middle of this beautiful city, you really won't need to travel far to discover why York feels so magical.
There are certainly plenty of things to see in York. If you speak to anyone about this city, the chances are that one of their top choices of buildings in the area is York Minster. Located right in the very centre of the city, York Minster is a breathtaking Gothic cathedral that lies enclosed by the still-present, ancient city walls. The walls themselves are another of York's most exhilarating site and are very popular amongst tourists who can walk around them and discover a great deal about York's fascinating past along the journey.
York Minster certainly has to be seen to be believed - much like the winding, labyrinthine streets of the city centre, known as the Snickelways. These small, pedestrian streets weave throughout one another and make up the quaint heart of the city. You won't forget one walk through the Shambles, one of York's most famous medieval streets, placed within an area that is said to have inspired J. K. Rowling's Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter novels. Tourists can find souvenirs aplenty in this area, as well enjoy some excellent local delicacies from cafés, pubs and even a local chocolatier that sees custom from as many York residents as tourists!
For more ancient buildings, Clifford's Tower is not too far away from York's main areas and offers a poignant look into the past. Continuing the medieval theme, Clifford's Tower has a structure that will amaze visitors, despite its grisly past where horrible events hundreds of years ago have made it a popular stop for the many ghost tours taking place through York's winding streets.
York is a town you'll spend the entire day walking through as there's so much to see - and all of it within convenient walking distance. As it's a relatively small city, you can find York hotels right in the centre of the attractions meaning you spend less time getting to your destination.
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isla_Campbell
There are certainly plenty of things to see in York. If you speak to anyone about this city, the chances are that one of their top choices of buildings in the area is York Minster. Located right in the very centre of the city, York Minster is a breathtaking Gothic cathedral that lies enclosed by the still-present, ancient city walls. The walls themselves are another of York's most exhilarating site and are very popular amongst tourists who can walk around them and discover a great deal about York's fascinating past along the journey.
York Minster certainly has to be seen to be believed - much like the winding, labyrinthine streets of the city centre, known as the Snickelways. These small, pedestrian streets weave throughout one another and make up the quaint heart of the city. You won't forget one walk through the Shambles, one of York's most famous medieval streets, placed within an area that is said to have inspired J. K. Rowling's Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter novels. Tourists can find souvenirs aplenty in this area, as well enjoy some excellent local delicacies from cafés, pubs and even a local chocolatier that sees custom from as many York residents as tourists!
For more ancient buildings, Clifford's Tower is not too far away from York's main areas and offers a poignant look into the past. Continuing the medieval theme, Clifford's Tower has a structure that will amaze visitors, despite its grisly past where horrible events hundreds of years ago have made it a popular stop for the many ghost tours taking place through York's winding streets.
York is a town you'll spend the entire day walking through as there's so much to see - and all of it within convenient walking distance. As it's a relatively small city, you can find York hotels right in the centre of the attractions meaning you spend less time getting to your destination.
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isla_Campbell
Thursday 3 June 2010
The Spa Town of Harrogate By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author
The town Harrogate is located in North Yorkshire. The town orignally had two different settlements known as High Harrogate and Low Harrogate. This town was originated in the 17th century. It is known most to be a spa town, and withholds famous tourist attractions such as RHS Harlow Carr gardens, and Betty's tearooms. This town is located in Nid valley and it is locally close to Knaresborough. It has transportation's such as Harrogate railway station and Harrogate Bus Station.
Harrogate's famous spa waters
Harrogate's most popular tourist attraction is what the town is most well known for (spa waters). In the seventeenth an eighteenth century people believed the spa waters in Harrogate were a good health treatment. These waters contain iron, salt, and sulphur. The spa waters were first discovered by William Slingsby in 1571. People noted that the properties of its spa waters were closely linked to the springs of Belgian town. Harrogate's spa was most known in 1626 when Edmund Deane's book 'The English Spa Fountain', or ' Spadacrene Anglica' was published.
Harrogate as a tourist attraction
Other than the spa waters, Harrogate is well known for Bettys Tea Rooms, and the RHS Harlow Carr gardens. The town is one of Europe's biggest conference and exhibition centre, which also includes 'Harrogate International centre' were tourists can find good hotels, guest houses and restaurants. Another main attraction is the Mercer Art Gallery where you can find two thousand 19Th and 20Th century arts. This art gallery withholds works by William Powell Frith, Sir Edward Burne-Jones, Atkinson Grimshaw, Alan Davie and much more. Another not to miss attraction would be Harrogate's Great Yorkshire Show, which is hosted once every year.
Harrogate known as a costly town
This town is known to have the most costly properties in all of England, having most of the properties costing an average of one million pounds. It is a very expensive place to reside in. The community of Harrogate has a Church, a District Swimming Club, many good schools. The most popular sports in this town are football, Rugby union, water polo, Frisbee and hockey.
For a wide selection of Harrogate hotels just click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
Harrogate's famous spa waters
Harrogate's most popular tourist attraction is what the town is most well known for (spa waters). In the seventeenth an eighteenth century people believed the spa waters in Harrogate were a good health treatment. These waters contain iron, salt, and sulphur. The spa waters were first discovered by William Slingsby in 1571. People noted that the properties of its spa waters were closely linked to the springs of Belgian town. Harrogate's spa was most known in 1626 when Edmund Deane's book 'The English Spa Fountain', or ' Spadacrene Anglica' was published.
Harrogate as a tourist attraction
Other than the spa waters, Harrogate is well known for Bettys Tea Rooms, and the RHS Harlow Carr gardens. The town is one of Europe's biggest conference and exhibition centre, which also includes 'Harrogate International centre' were tourists can find good hotels, guest houses and restaurants. Another main attraction is the Mercer Art Gallery where you can find two thousand 19Th and 20Th century arts. This art gallery withholds works by William Powell Frith, Sir Edward Burne-Jones, Atkinson Grimshaw, Alan Davie and much more. Another not to miss attraction would be Harrogate's Great Yorkshire Show, which is hosted once every year.
Harrogate known as a costly town
This town is known to have the most costly properties in all of England, having most of the properties costing an average of one million pounds. It is a very expensive place to reside in. The community of Harrogate has a Church, a District Swimming Club, many good schools. The most popular sports in this town are football, Rugby union, water polo, Frisbee and hockey.
For a wide selection of Harrogate hotels just click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
The Town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire England By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author
Flowing in from the north country of North Yorkshire England lies a little tourist town of Harrogate. Okay, it is not so little, but it is a bustling place that is know for its water. Since the 1700s the town has been know for its healing springs of rejuvenation throughout England and the world.
This beautiful scenic town draws many each year to visit and seek healing from the Harrogate Spa. The water is full of healing properties with its content of iron, sulphur and salt. It is considered a health treatment for many and they love going there for the healing feeling of the natural spring water.
The dry and mild climate is also conducive for many tourists to travel on holiday to relax and rejuvenate. Even for a mini holiday it is a fun place to visit with its beautiful scenery that you can take long walks in and breathe in fresh air. Many people visit the Yorkshire Dales National Park which is close by for an experience outdoors.
Two other popular spots that are world famous are Harlow Carr Gardens and Bettys Tearooms which get thousands of visitors each year. Enjoy a stroll through the famous gardens for an afternoon. And visit Bettys Tearooms for afternoon tea in luxury.
There is also the Mercer Art Gallery you can stop by in and see all of their fabulous displays for an afternoon. Or if you love to shop visit the many stores and boutiques that are offered around Harrogate. You can find something for anyone on your list in the many shopping experiences available.
Harrogate has been around since the seventeenth century and is here to stay. As long as the springs are flowing people will continue to flock there for their natural springs. And they will stay to experience a great piece of England in the county of North Yorkshire.
For accommodation in Harrogate check this list of Harrogate hotels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
This beautiful scenic town draws many each year to visit and seek healing from the Harrogate Spa. The water is full of healing properties with its content of iron, sulphur and salt. It is considered a health treatment for many and they love going there for the healing feeling of the natural spring water.
The dry and mild climate is also conducive for many tourists to travel on holiday to relax and rejuvenate. Even for a mini holiday it is a fun place to visit with its beautiful scenery that you can take long walks in and breathe in fresh air. Many people visit the Yorkshire Dales National Park which is close by for an experience outdoors.
Two other popular spots that are world famous are Harlow Carr Gardens and Bettys Tearooms which get thousands of visitors each year. Enjoy a stroll through the famous gardens for an afternoon. And visit Bettys Tearooms for afternoon tea in luxury.
There is also the Mercer Art Gallery you can stop by in and see all of their fabulous displays for an afternoon. Or if you love to shop visit the many stores and boutiques that are offered around Harrogate. You can find something for anyone on your list in the many shopping experiences available.
Harrogate has been around since the seventeenth century and is here to stay. As long as the springs are flowing people will continue to flock there for their natural springs. And they will stay to experience a great piece of England in the county of North Yorkshire.
For accommodation in Harrogate check this list of Harrogate hotels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
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