York’s Hidden Treasures
York’s Hidden Treasures
Now available online and in bookstores
Congratulations David Curtis
The winner of our mailing list contest, who will now receive a free copy of York’s Hidden Treasures
Signing at Toppings
As of 5 August, there are signed copies of York’s Hidden Treasures in the Local History section of Toppings bookstore in York.
Exciting York History News
The massive complex of St Leonard’s hospital began in the 11th century in York, and was sadly destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s. There is one small room still standing, which has been closed to visitors for years. Yesterday - I found the door open! It’s right outside the York Explore library and well worth a look.
Planning a Launch
13 August 630 at the Black Swan Pub on Peasholme Green! Don’t miss it!
During the launch, I will be talking about this remarkable medieval building, which hides at the end of one of York’s snickelways. Do you know which one it is?
What’s a girl to do…
I’ve been so busy working on York’s Hidden Treasures that I haven’t had a chance to talk about it! The proofing process was very detailed, for which I am extremely grateful. At one point I mixed up Anglians and Anglo-Saxons, and I will forever be grateful to the History Press proofreader for pointing that out.
This lovely photo by Bob Jenkins is of Clifford’s Tower, which is full of fascinating history, ghosts…and pigeons.
The cover has been released!
I’m so excited to say that we are in the final stages of preparing this book for publication. Release has been brought forward to August and I can’t wait!
Mystery and Possibility
Golden sunshine at the end of shadowy path…York doesn’t give up its secrets easily, but there are always glimpses of beauty.
Only in York
York never ceases to delight me. I took pictures in the medieval Guildhall today and found not one but TWO secret passages. Actual secret passages! They were all dusty and cobwebby, just as they’re supposed to be.
Mystery Doors
When walking along a snickleway in search of the guildhall, I found a door without labels or locks that would not move. This is not uncommon in York; it’s like the whole city is populated with portals to magic lands. Huge, narrow, tiny, wooden, steel, stone…you never know which one will appear before you.
Sunshine Problems
One of my favourite places in York is the Minster Stoneyard, because the stonemasons often show a lot of humour with their incredible skill. It has been very difficult to get a good picture, though, because the fence and the sun cause grid-shaped shadows I can’t seem to avoid.
Just chillin’
There was a wedding going on, a large group of tourists taking pictures, all sorts of building work, and at least three crying children when I took this photo. But nothing bothers Constantine. He just keeps thinkin’ cool emperor thoughts.
Researching Roman York
It’s all about the research right now. This project is due for submission in January, so I’d like to be writing already, but there is so much to learn!
Almost met a celebrity
The building is beautiful, the gin is really quite nice, and it never fails to surprise. I had a bit of an unusual experience during my last photo walk. Jack Davenport was filming in Lady Peckett’s Yard, my favourite snickelway (covered by the blue tarp). The guard made sure I didn’t get any closer.
Lots of scaffolding!
A lot of the buildings I hope to use in the book are being renovated right now. Fortunately, the river is still lovely.
Hidden passages
As I explore York on my photo walks for the book, I am always charmed by the tiny passing-places that open up on nearly every street. I made it my mission to explore them all, and found some things I never knew existed.
Tiny Troubles
As you may be able to tell from the arm that popped up into this photo of the Judge’s Lodging just as I took the shot, tourists can be a problem. I intend to start VERY early in the morning next time.
© 2024 Angela Ranson - Author