Minerva

342 - It's fascinating how many details there are on old buildings that are seen by few, because we tend to look around us rather than upwards.

Here, at the junction of Stonegate, Minster Gates and High and Low Petergate, there is a statue of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and drama. Sadly she is in a rather poor state and in need of a little restoration.

The statue shows that the shop below was once a bookshop. Minerva's left arm is resting on a pile of books and there is an owl peeking out from behind her. There is an inscription below, out of shot, which is dated 1801 and attributed to John Wolstenholme.

Between 1580 and 1607 the shop was owned by John Foster, who was said to have had a stock of around 3,000 books - which at that time was considered extremely impressive.

The area around here was once a significant centre for books and printing. Early in my project I included a shot of a printers devil on another nearby building - http://365project.org/if1/365/2012-03-21

[Carol]

I love it, even with the peeling paint! so much interesting history in your area!

[Hazel A]

Keep looking up Ian! Great shot and facts about the book shop

[Judith Johnson]

You're right, there are lots of interesting sights in our own towns which we fail to see. Thanks for highlighting this lovely statue.

[Bob]

Nice capture. Lots of good views looking upward. I try to remember to do that. Good background information.

[Mickey Anderson]

It is amazing what we all see on our quest for the perfect shot !!! well done!!

[Cathie]

What a wonderful shot! There's nothing like that around here (no matter how hard I look...) so I especially appreciate your keeping your eyes open and sharing. It is good advice, however, and will keep looking up -- and everywhere -- for the gems in my community!

[Colin]

The peeling paint really enhances the shot - lets hope she gets restored sooner rather than later. The owl peeking out from the side looks great.

[Jacqui Paterson]

Nice shot. I agree with you about looking up. When I visited London a few years ago, the only time I've been, I spent the whole time looking up. There are some amazing things up high on those buildings. It is a shame that so many people are too busy to take the time to look.

[Christine]

Great statue. You need to start a petition to get her restored! It would be a great pity for her to get to a point of no return.

[Pyrrhula]

Every old towns inner city is most interesting at the fist floor and up.
Great find and beautiful capture . Sorry it needs a bit of restoration before the damage is to great

[Ruth Moucharafieh]

Now that's a fabulous find! Very ornate street corner indeed.

[Steviepix]

Excellent capture of faded glory. Great example of the benefit of looking up as well as around.

[bkb in the city]

Great looking statue

[Tony]

Love the capture and totally adore the detail to go with it. Your images and text would make a great book.

[Nicole]

nicely spotted!

[Nat]

Gorgeous! I love sharing part of your world.

[Caren]

What a fantastic statue and great find! As always, I'm amazed by the old structures in your country.

[Vesna]

You know much about history, Ian!

[Ian Fisher]

Thank you all for your positive responses. It's my intention to look up a bit more and see what else I can find. Sadly, looking up can be risky when trying to walk through crowds of tourists!

@comicbooklady @purplehaze12 @busylady @bobhuegel @brillomick @cathieg @isleofmanlandscapes @witchyjacq @chris17 @pyrrhula @ruthmouch @steviepix @bkbinthecity @tonydebont @nicoleterheide @natr @clmiller

@vesna0210 - I've learn't a little history, but as the next shot shows, there are lots of gaps in my knowledge too!

[Ann Jones]

Super shot and fascinating historical info!

[Ian Fisher]

@rhos

Thank you Ann - I do love these historical details!

[Lizzy Bean]

she certainly has character

[Ian Fisher]

@lizzybean

Thank you Lizzy, it's nice to hear from you. I hope that Lent is being fruitful for you!