On the sunday of our week in N Yorks we took a trip by train into York, and enjoyed a lovely way wandering the streets, hopping on and off the open top bus tour, walking the walls....
There is a stonemasons yard outside York Minster where restoration work is taking place and I managed to blur out the fence by setting this shot up as shallow dof and high key. I think it works!
Sadly we did not go into the Minster, as the charge just to visit the Minster without the tower was £29 for a family of 4. I would happily have thrown a tenner in the collection box and spent another in their Minster shop, as I did at Ripon Cathedral 2 days later, but I have a real issue with a charge of that level to visit one of our greatest churches.
Whilst I understand the cost of maintaining these great buildings, in my case the charges are counter productive as I refuse to pay charges of this magnitude so they get nothing from me when I want to give something. I am sure the coach tours of overseas visitors enjoy what they see!
The sneaky way in is for a service - I have only been in Westminster Cathedral for a service - when I had an exchange student I paid for entry to St Paul's, but otherwise all my visits have been for services. Apparently the way to see the Holman Hunt is attend the midweek midday service as it's held in that chapel.
I do agree with you Sean. We should NEVER have to pay to enter a place of worship. I know it's expensive up keep like you do but have always put money in collection boxes/pots etc and spent money in the shop. What a poor impression to give.
The last time I was in the Minster it was donation only...a while back I agree but I wouldn't have paid either...don't churches like that belong to the people .....lovely soft high key shot!
