We hadn’t planned to do much traveling while we were staying in York. Originally we had hoped to get out to Scarborough (just so we could sing the song🤩) – but that plan didn’t work out. Our host grew up in Harrogate and took us for a quick evening drive through there so we decided it definitely deserved a day trip! We also had planned to go to Durham on our journey from Cumbria to York. When we had to change things around we decided to make it it’s own day trip. I’m so glad we did that!
Harrogate first. It seems that most everywhere in England is a quick and easy journey from York. Crazy, busy train station with ten platforms, which is really something for a town its size! And because this is still England, we have a Harry Potter reference. The York train station was used as a stand-in for King’s Cross station in the first movie. Not sure why they didn’t use the real King’s Cross…
Harrogate is the epitome of Victorian elegance. What a pretty town. Kind of made me wish I had a elegant Victorian era day dress to wear – minus the tightly cinched corset of course. There were gardens everywhere, and some massive parks with various formal gardens within them. There are also the Victorian bath house and places to “take the waters”, as Harrogate was known for its mineral rich water (with a decidedly nasty taste!) with supposed health properties.
The decision to go to Harrogate was very last minute – I am so glad that we did!!
On another weekend we went up to Durham. I had thoughts of seeing the Durham Cathedral, and we tried to stop there on our way to York, but that didn’t work out. This way ended up being better anyway, as we were able to take our time.
Durham Cathedral. Oh wow. A stunning building begun in 1093 – its purpose? To house the bones of our friend, Cuthbert (we met him back on the Holy Island/Lindisfarne a few weeks ago). Saint Cuthbert was one of the most revered people of the medieval period, surpassed only after the murder of Thomas Becket at Canterbury. The body of the Venerable Bede is also at Durham. Bede is known as the father of English history, as his book, completed in 731, is the earliest known history of Britain. He also wrote the history of Saint Cuthbert, as well as many books on other subjects such as mathematics and calendars. He was integral in establishing the date of Easter in the western Church. After Bede died in 735 he was buried at his monastery at Jarrow (a bit north of Durham). Sometime after the construction of Durham Cathedral a monk, deciding that Bede should be in as grand of a place as Cuthbert, stole the body of Bede and buried him in Cuthbert’s grave. Unfortunately it’s not really recorded how it was determined that Bede should stay at Durham, but stay he did. And in 1320 he was given his own grave in the cathedral. The room where he lies is probably my favorite part of the cathedral (the Husband’s too). There was a light and music installation in the chapel that imparted a serene and deeply moving experience. I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel to such amazing places!
Beautiful photos and educational, as usual
😁Thank you!