This is the hidden St Anthony's Garden in York. Hidden, but in plain sight. Across the rear of the shot are the city walls, with their many thousands of tourists walking past. I've often heard people passing wondering how to get into the garden.
There is no access from the city walls, and the two gateways on the opposite side on Peasholme Green look more like a private access to the rear of buildings there - but no, that is the way into this garden, and what a gem it is when you find your way into it.
The garden is beside St Anthony's Hall, which was built in the 15th century for the social and religious guild of St Anthony. The building has had many used over more than 500 years. At one time the hall was a school. The York Blue Coat School was founded in 1705 and used the hall until just after the Second World War (just after 1945). The site of the garden was the school playground.
The hall and gardens were taken into the possession of the York Conservation Trust in 2006, and various organisations were based there. In 2010 the gardens were created as a sensory garden, designed by students at Bishop Burton College who were asked to make it user friendly for the disabled, the partially sighted and the blind.
It forms a lovely peaceful haven close to the centre of York, and it is a place I treasure very much.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
These gardens are a lovely quiet hideaway close to York city centre, and are well worth a visit wharever the season - and if the weather is inclement there are some benches under the arches in the side of the city walls where you can sit and shelter while enjoying the view.
down and relax.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
These gardens are a lovely quiet hideaway close to York city centre, and are well worth a visit wharever the season - and if the weather is inclement there are some benches under the arches in the side of the city walls where you can sit and shelter while enjoying the view.
Ian
Thank you Vesna. This is a lovely peaceful quiet place close to the centre of the city that I love to visit.
Ian