 |
| Bob,Tom,Kristen,Issy,Campbell, Alec- Barker tower behind |
 |
| The Ouse River through York |
MEETING UP WITHOUT A CELL PHONE - Because we couldn't bring cell phones to the U.K. (the roaming charges would be exorbitant) we arranged to meet the Beck family at the hotel. After we toured the Minster, they were waiting for us. They took us on a walking tour of York. We found the Chocolate Factory and wonderful little shops. We talked about kids, marriage, retirement, houses, books, travel, how they liked life in England and more. Both Kristen and I (Rob) saw a book that we both found intriguing called "Hot guys and cute dogs," but we didn't buy it. :)
THE CITY OF YORK IS SURROUNDED BY A GREAT WALL -
Since Roman times, York has defended by walls around the city. York has more miles of intact wall than any other city in England. They are known variously as York City Walls, the Bar walls and the Roman walls.
 |
| A look at the great wall around York |
We climbed the wall at one point and took a photo of everyone with the BARKER TOWER behind them.
 |
| Alec,Issy,Campbell, Kristen & Bob |
WHAT IS THE BARKER TOWER? - The river-side tower sit on the Ouse River and was built in the 14th century. According to historyofyork.org.uk, it was located at the boundary of the medieval city-center and, in conjunction with Lendal Tower, located on the opposite bank, the tower was used to control river traffic entering the city. A great iron chain was stretched across the river between the two towers and boatmen had to pay a toll to cross it. The Barker Tower was basically a medieval Toll Booth!
WHAT WAS IT USED FOR AFTERWARD? After acting as a toll, it was leased for long periods to various ferrymen (and at least one woman) who took passengers across the Ouse River, until Lendal Bridge was built in 1863. Once the bridge opened, the ferries went out of business. According to History of York, that tower had a number of other uses including being used as a mortuary for a brief time in the 19th century!
SHORT VIDEO OF THE BECKS:
WALL WITH A VIEW - There were some great views of the city from the wall. We took this picture of the view of the city looking north-east from the city wall, near the railway station. The brown spire in the middle distance is the Catholic church of St. Wilfrid, and York Minster is visible behind it.
NEXT: THE FAMOUS SHAMBLES AND A WALK THROUGH YORK
 |
| View of the city looking north-east from the city wall, near the railway station. The brown spire in the middle distance is the Catholic church of St. Wilfrid, and York Minster is visible behind it. |
