ヨーク・プライベートウォーキングツアー

A consideration for where to spend our week’s holiday was ‘Does Stephen do a walking tour near there’? We chose York, as neither of us have been there and knew that Stephen could magically bring history alive for us. Stephen’s knowledge and understanding of history is incredible, he doesn’t just quote facts, he explains and justifies them and often extends it with further linked examples. A random comment by either of us was picked up and immediately explored, if Stephen doesn’t know the answer he is willing to give his learned opinion based on his wide knowledge. We walked for three hours, at a pleasant strolling speed, with plenty of time to look around and gain extra information as Stephen pointed out things that were a new discovery for him too. For example, who was Mad Alice? Mad Alice snickleway is in Swinegate, a narrow alley…. or why Emperor Constantine’s sword is broken. We stopped at a number of the many historical areas and walked past others and learnt about their significance to Roman, Viking and Henry VIII’s dissolution and looting of the churches and abbeys. Highlights included Micklegate Bar, the Shambles, the Golden Fleece pub with its five ghosts, the York Minster and unbelievable crypt, the house where Guy Fawkes was born, Emperor Constantine’s memorial, Clifford’s Tower, Holy Trinity Church, Church of St Martin Le Grand, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, Kings Manor, the Shrine of St Margaret Clitherow, Fossgate Guildhall. Stephen also let us know about walking along the city walls and where to find the grave of Dick Turpin so we could continue our walking tour independently. Walking with Stephen is a glorious mix of history, contemporary and links in between. He picks up on our interests and tailors the walk to include topics that he knows we enjoy. He is very friendly, chatty and personable and his enjoyment of sharing is infectious and we find ourselves looking further into things he has told us when we get home. I wish my history teacher at school had been like Stephen! This was our third walking tour with Stephen, and we’re already discussing where next?

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