Beverley

day 27 Sunday 13 June

Alston to Beverley

A lovely drive south from Alston across the high moors – it is harsh country, but gets softer as you move off the moors and to the lower levels.  We left the motorway and went east onto the Yorkshire moors – much softer and more productive than Alston.  We had lunch in the car park at Castle Howard, but decided not to go in – expensive at 9 pounds 50 p and not enough time to do justice – also too many people.  It was very pleasant under a shady tree  in the park.  We arrived in Beverley about 2pm and eventually found the priory – a fascinating old building from the 14^thC.  We visited Beverley Minster (“one of the best Gothic examples in Europe”) – very impressive, then walked the old town to St Mary’s and back via the common (cattle grazing!).  Mick was friendly but could not stop talking.  Helen at the YH was very helpful and friendly.  There were only three guests at the YH – Mick and us, so we had the ladies dormitory as a 13 bed en suite!  We all went to the choral evensong at Beverley Minster – it was beautiful!  Then dinner and talk before bed.

 Main entrance of Beverley Friary YHA office. The kitchen was downstairs to the left. Above it was the sitting room, then the girls dorm. The Mens dorm was downstairs to the right. The building to the right is an addition containing the bathrooms.

The warden, Helen, had a nice herb garden.

Rear view of the friary showing the new extension connecting to the dorms. We were upstairs, having the girls dorm, under huge rafters, to ourselves for the night.

Beverley Minster can trace its origins to 700 AD when Bishop John of York established a monastery. John, who was born locally, was a bishop and teacher. He was canonised in 1037, by Archbishop Aelfric. His body lies in the Minster's nave.
Online at http://www.beverleyminster.co.uk