TWC Tours - Yorkshire !

Aye up !

There's nowt simple like folk.......

Welcome to the wonderful world of rainy Yorkshire !

Heading out nice and early (yeah right oh) up the Lune valley past Hornby, Bentham and Wray before turning right and passing Skipton our destination today was the world heritage site of Fountains Abbey.

Being Britains largest monastic ruin founded in 1132 by 13 Benedictine Monks, the history of this site would be dramatically changed by a certain Henry VIII, who seems to be making regular appearances within the theme of this tour to date !

Following the dissolution of all monastaries in 1539 the roof of this fine structure was removed and the inevitable dereliction commenced.

Following a grand old fella of a tour guide (in his compulsory flat cap) I for one was learning all sorts of new stuff.

The Viking, having earned a degree in the History of Art (amongst many other things) was more than capable of adding all sorts of other snippets and fascinating facts much to my shame.

Its amazing what a North Shore Viking can teach a simple nothern 'Bob the Builder' in the history of his own country !

Moving on to York and its Minster we saw what could have been had Henry VIII not got stuck into his one man mission to alter the course of history. Built between the 12th and 15th century the Minster is the largest gothic church in England.

Whilst the Viking was delighted to see first hand such historic structures, I had my moment of cultural satisfaction as I found a butcher who specialised in fresh daily pork pies !

Cor........ and were they good ! Jelly and all !! Special !!!!

Whilst the Viking turned her eyes away at this savoury speciality in disgust, I did get her interested at least in bags of 'rhubarb and custard' aquired at a sweet shop in the 'Shambles' of York.

It would have been rude too not to stop at a one of my old haunt pubs en route home for a pint of bitter ! Our venue today being the Ship at Caton.