Yorkshire to Richmond

 Saturday 22nd of August, 1981

After breakfast we were off and eager to see the rest of York.  All slept well despite all our ghost stories and visits to mysterious churches, medieval Saxon and Roman haunts.  

The camp is situated on the banks of the Ouse, a short walk to town through the wall.  York is a city full of English history; the town centre is still full of times gone by.  It is surrounded by a wall built in the 13th century.  Buildings have been discovered to prove Romans occupied Eboracum in 71 AD.  In the seventh century Saxons settled within the fortress walls.  The little wooden church built on the site was the first York Minster.  In 867 AD York fell to the Danish invaders, some old streets and their names date from this era.  Goodramgate Street, Shamblesgate.  Danish kings of York reigned till 944 AD.  In 1066 AD William the Conqueror came north to subdue the rebellion in York.

Stone city walls and gates were built in the 13th century.  Medieval streets and shops still are preserved in the city centre.  The present Minster was begun by Archbishop Grey in 1220 but was finished in 1472.

York Minster is the largest one in the United Kingdom and second-largest in the whole of Europe.  Great spires reach high into the air, dwarfing large buildings beside it.  Built of white stone the carving in both wood and stone is only a small insight into the magnificent craft of the tradesmen.  It is just too awesome to believe that this building has stood for 600 years with only minor restoration.

After tea we showered then went for a walk around the city wall, 4.35 miles and we did it in an hour. 

York Minster at night from the wall

So much to see and do in this grand city but tomorrow we move on towards Richmond.

 

Sunday 23rd of August, 1981

We broke camp and were on the road by 8:45 a.m.  The streets were deserted this early but will probably throb with people later on.  Took a last film of Micklegate.

York, UK

Then headed for the Yorkshire Dales - no doubt a Sunday drive for most Britons, but a long 116 miles day-long tour across Dales for us.  Scenery was out of this world and so were we quite a few times when we were nose to nose with another vehicle in the narrow lanes.  Tempers flared?  Most lanes were lined with stone fences - all the paddocks were divided also with stone divides and wooden gates.  Heather coloured, the top of the Dales in deep mauve and the grass is greener here than anywhere seen so far.

We stopped at Applewick a very small village which has a lovely little pub and a river ran through the centre.  Slowly made our way to Thresfield where we had our lunch outside a 1506 Church - all the villages have used gray brick locally quarried I have found.

We drove through the national park - beautiful countryside.  The river Ure runs over cobbled river bed, people laze on the grassy slopes.  I think all of England is out in these moors today and why not, the sun is shining and though the locals strip to idolise the Sun, God we have long sleeves on.  We stopped at Arncliffe but didn't stay - an ugly little village - decay and neglect everywhere, the first one we have seen like this!

With great delight we came down out of the moors and Dales into Hawes, a fertiliser smell pervaded the car.  Sean said it was the drivers of the cars we had held up for so long coming down narrow lanes who had dirtied their pants.  Hawes is a clean town - everyone we have met have been so helpful and interested in our trip and Australia.  Found a park at Swale outside of Richmond and settled.  Then went into town and found a delightful cafe that served high tea.  Fish and chips or salad, apple pie and cream, B and B and a big pot of tea for £2 a head - and very satisfying!  A walk around the Market Square and home to bed to read and sleep. 

Monday the 24th August, 1981

The day dawned sunny and clear, not a cloud in the sky - the area the camp is in has the river Swale trickling through it, also Brompton on Swale where we are booked into tonight.  Cobblestones line river bed as the river passes by it is very low-rainfall, hasn't been up to normal this summer.  We had breakfast, showered and drove the 3 miles into town.  It is hard to rethink imperial system.  Two hours at laundromat (mundane things must be done) a walk around the antique shops, obtaining nice bargains in some plates, a seat in the sun at the obelisk.  

Brompton on Swale caravan park

The Market Square is cobblestones all the way, parking in centre, a large obelisk stands majestically in the centre - the ruins of Richmond Castle forms part of the town.  It has a history of William the Conqueror building it as a fortress in 1069.  It has not been preserved as well as other castles.

In the afternoon we visited friends of San and John - Enid and George Shaw, a delightful couple who have a brother living in Coffs Harbour.  Their daughter Liz & niece Jackie from America came to tea and we had a delightful evening not wanting to come home but Rachelle set the pace when she fell asleep at midnight.  Splendid!

Today we are having another trip into town and George is taking us for a drive.

York to Richmond UK