The Ark, Tadcaster by fishers

The Ark, Tadcaster

No, nothing to do with the floods, but one of the most attractive buildings in the town of Tadcaster.

The Ark is a half-timbered building in Kirkgate, and is thought to have been built in the late 15th Century, although it could be older. It is the oldest building in active use in the town.

The building was a meeting place where the Pilgrim Fathers are reputed to have met to plan their voyage to America; an exact replica exists in Ohio. It has also been a post office, an inn, a butchers, a private house and a museum.

It is called “The Ark” as the two carved corbel figures on the exterior (to the left and right of the upper window) are said to be Noah and his wife, but it was known as Morley Hall in the 17th Century.

In 1992, Tadcaster Town Council purchased the premises to use as its Council Offices and Council Chamber.

Ian
How curious, and handsome. Have you had occasion to look inside too?
February 8th, 2017  
Beautiful looking building
February 8th, 2017  
What fascinating history! I take it that it is a little Tardis-like? Bigger on the inside? It looks such a small building for housing a council.
February 8th, 2017  
Your historical buildings come with a great explanatin as to it's history.
February 8th, 2017  
A great capture of this beautiful historical house/building. Fav.
February 8th, 2017  
Good shot and historical information on this fine old building.
February 8th, 2017  
Great shot, architectural details...
February 8th, 2017  
Nice building
February 8th, 2017  
Stunning !! You have captured that iconic building perfectly.
February 8th, 2017  
Great architecture shot -- looks classic Shakespearean!
February 8th, 2017  
So full of character... great shot!
February 8th, 2017  
What a fabulous old building. Nothing as old as this out here in Oz.
February 9th, 2017  
I am thrilled when I see these half-timbered houses and there are many not only in the UK but also in many old towns across Europe.
February 9th, 2017  
A pleasure to see such a building being adapted for public use and benefit.
February 9th, 2017  
A beautiful building but spoiled by the bins on both sides. ASk the family to move in and tidy up for you next time.
February 9th, 2017  
@will_wooderson @bkbinthecity @casablanca @bruni @pyrrhula @lhart @seattlite @777margo @tonydebont @taffy @kwind @onewing @sangwann @s4sayer @alfsson

Thank you for your thoughtful comments and favs. Ian appreciates them all, and will catch up with them, when he returns from visiting his mum later this evening.
February 9th, 2017  
Amy
Gorgeous!
February 9th, 2017  
@amyamoeba

Thank you Amy, glad you like it!

Ian
February 10th, 2017  
@will_wooderson @bkbinthecity @casablanca @bruni @pyrrhula @lhart @seattlite @777margo @tonydebont @taffy @kwind @onewing @sangwann @s4sayer @alfsson

Thank you all for your great comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.

I should add that this lovely little building does have an extension off to the left of this shot, and built in a similar style which considerably increases the size of the building. For those who asked, I didn't get to look inside. I only had 30 mins in Tadcaster to get some shots of the rebuilt bridge before continuing my journey to Leeds for my second objective of the day.

Ian
February 10th, 2017  
Thank you so much for your wonderful background on your photographs. I really enjoy the history you provide with the pictures. FAV
February 10th, 2017  
@essiesue

Thank you Sue - I do like to know about the history of places like this. I probably spend more time investigating the background to the places I photograph than I do actually taking the photos!

Ian
February 12th, 2017  
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