098 - This hidden corner of York is Finkle Street, and to those in the know is a useful short cut in the city centre.
The shop on the left is an outdoor shop. Under previous owners it had a large selection of European walking maps, as well as UK OS maps, though sadly this is no longer the case.
The building on the right is a public house called the Roman Bath, and in the basement are the remains of a genuine Roman Bath.
The building ahead is now VJ's Art Bar, but it used to be a lovely little toy shop called Gault Toys.
It is said that Finkle Street was once called Mucky Peg Lane. I don't know anything of the origins of either name, or who (or what) Mucky Peg was. If anyone knows, I would be interested to hear from you.
@if1 my sister and family are on holiday in York for a few days! They had dinner at The Blue Bicycle and from my neice's face book photo it looked like it was on a lovely street too!
The Blue Bicycle is on a street called Fossgate. I haven't actually been in there, so I can't really say what it's like. Fossgate itself is an old street with an interesting array of old and new buildings, and at least 3 of the alleys known as 'Snickelways'. Some notes and an example Snicklway are at http://365project.org/if1/365/2012-05-10 I will have to have a stroll down Fossgate and do a few shots for my project. I hope your sister and family have a nice time in York, and don't get too wet! (It will keep showering with rain!!)
Thank you Marie. Finkle Street gets narrower around the corner, so no, a car couldn't get through (but that hasn't stop some drivers trying!) There are double yellow lines on lots of the city centre streets, because some drivers will park anywhere, and this is an attempt to dissuade them. The first time I went to do this shot a few days ago, a van was parked in there!
Thank you Sarah - York is a fascinating maze! It look me ages to find my way round and get to know the place when I first moved here
Thank you Lydia, I'm pleased you are enjoying the tour.
The Blue Bicycle is on a street called Fossgate. I haven't actually been in there, so I can't really say what it's like. Fossgate itself is an old street with an interesting array of old and new buildings, and at least 3 of the alleys known as 'Snickelways'. Some notes and an example Snicklway are at http://365project.org/if1/365/2012-05-10 I will have to have a stroll down Fossgate and do a few shots for my project. I hope your sister and family have a nice time in York, and don't get too wet! (It will keep showering with rain!!)
This is a nice capture Ian. They have double lines on the side of the road. Can cars actually drive through that small alleyway?
Thank you Marie. Finkle Street gets narrower around the corner, so no, a car couldn't get through (but that hasn't stop some drivers trying!) There are double yellow lines on lots of the city centre streets, because some drivers will park anywhere, and this is an attempt to dissuade them. The first time I went to do this shot a few days ago, a van was parked in there!
Glad you are enjoying it, and it's amazing how presenting York for others to see makes me think in a fresh way about the city.
I agree - and I'll have to find something even more obscure to challenge you! ;-)