View from York's Wall

What a large volume of adventures may be grasped within this little span of life by him who interests his heart in everything.

Laurence Sterne, A Sentimental Journey

Chatburn, England

This is just a little place, but I loved it. It is located in the Ribble Valley. There is a lot of religious history here that you would never imagine just passing through. We walked down the cobbled road, with the rock walls on either side. For me, it was another place that you FEEL.

York's Ancient Walls

York is surrounded by restored medevial walls built on Roman foundations. Along the walltop is a footpath.

York, England

It really does look like Harry Potter land as you walk through the shambles in York. This is the ancient street of the Butchers of York, mentioned in the Domesday Book of William the Conqueror. It takes its name from the word 'Shamel' meaning the stalls or benches on which the meat was displayed. It was rebuilt about 1400, when it assumed its present character. The brick paved narrow streets are fascinating to walk down. Lots of fun!

England

You've got'a love it!

York Minster, York, England

This Gothic style cathedral is the largest north of the Alps. It is absolutely breath-taking. Its construction began in 1220, and is really worth taking some time to go through. It has 128 intricate stained-glass windows in it.

England's Beautiful Countryside

One of the things that amazed me was the amount of wide open spaces in England. I thought it would be ocean to ocean cities, but not so. The top picture was taken on the moor in Yorkshire, like I visualize from an old gothic novel. The water fall on the bottom is along the river area that Little John wrestles down Robin Hood in the old Robin Hood movie.

On the road again...

White Horse

I'm not sure what the British have about horses on the hills, but they're pretty cool. We actually hiked up to one in Yorkshire. This one was just outside the border of Wales, not far from Jane Seymore's country mansion. I took it from the train. The construction is much like the college and high school letters that we put up on the side of a hill, rocks that are white washed. I love how green everything is.

Beautiful Brontosaurus

Isn't she charming? I just had to throw this one in for a change of pace. A picture of her made it into the book Utah Curiosities. There is a less friendly giant T-Rex at the other end of town.

Thirsk, England

Lancaster Castle, England

This place is absolutely a must see! It's been a court and prison for over 900 years. If court isn't in session you can tour the courtroom. I actually was locked in a haunted prisoner's cell, and it was a little creepy. It has special significance for me because my great grandfather wrote about it in his missionary journal. There's a long story that goes with this... but it really is incredible. Witches were actually put on trial in this castle during one of the witchcraft crazes that went through England; it is an interesting read if you are so inclined.

Skipton Castle

Skipton Castle is one of the best preserved medevial castles in England. It is over 900 years old and is still fully roofed. In the top picture you can see Lady Ann Clifford's famous yew. I especially loved this castle because you are free to roam the interior with its dungeons and maze of rooms. In the third picture you see the best traveling companions ever.