Strolling in York #1

When packing for our time in the U.K., we debated what to bring to stay warm and dry in a country known for the occasional chilling rain.  Fortunately, we guessed correctly and are well prepared for rainy weather here in Northern England.  

Today, we experienced a typical rainy day in York while strolling around the town.  Undeterred, we enjoyed a truncated walking tour and then dried out in the Yorkshire History Museum.  During the tour, we learned more about the varied history of York and its people, many of whom are descended from Angles, Saxons, Vikings and Normans, among others.  Then,  when we visited the museum, we saw many ancient artifacts left behind each of those peoples.  

Later in the day, we switched tracks and visited the National Railway Museum.  We learned that York has played an important role in the development of England’s railroad system.  The museum has a large collection of vintage engines and coaches, including luxurious coaches used by Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.   

Below is  photographic review of our rainy day in York.

Despite the rain, Susan spotted this lovely view of the fortified wall circling York with the Minster rising skyward beyond.   

The History Museum is housed in an 18th century Neoclassical building that originally house York’s philosophical society.

The History Museum is very well curated with lots of interesting and easy to read information about the town’s long and varied history.  

Below is a Roman era stone carving that depicts an eagle, the symbol of the Ninth Legion that founded York in 71 A.D.  

 

Located next to York’s main train station, the Railway Museum is extremely large, with cavernous buildings filled with engines and cars and sorts of artifacts. 

Greg especially enjoyed seeing a Royal Mail car, where the mail was sorted as trains criss-crossed the country.  Greg’s grandfather worked on a mail car in Ohio and Michigan long ago.

Thanks for strolling around rainy York with us.