York - Home to Guy Fawkes

A view of the Minster. Today we left the balmy warmth of the South for the less clement climate further north. As we are making a fairly slow progress, rather like the kings and queens of the past, it seems a visit to York would be quite appropriate.

It is the first time I have been to York, and it has a very picturesque town centre, even though part of it is described as a "Shambles". We arrived in late afternoon, so no time to visit any of the museums. A quick walk through the door of the Minster, but it was closed as there was about to be a service.

We found a pub which was situated at the birthplace of Guy Fawkes. I never knew he was born in York. The pub bearing his name was certainly quite inviting of plots. Dark and candlelit. Such appropriate decor it is a shame the plot was hatched elsewhere.

I have the impression that the true events of of the 1605 Gunpowder Plat are being superseded by the more dubious Halloween. Looking in the shops it seems that Halloween must be more conducive to commercialisation. Or is it that we no longer choose to celebrate the failure of a religiously inspired terrorist attack on the political establishment?

Aside from Guy Fawkes we found many sweet shops, art galleries, pubs, overhanging buildings, narrow cobbled streets. All very attractive but tomorrow we depart. A longer visit may be called for.