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Yorkshire

Sights in Yorkshire

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    Undercroft, Treasury & Crypt

    A set of stairs in the south transept leads down to the undercroft, where you'll also find the treasury and crypt – these should on no account be missed. In 1967 the foundations were shored up when the central tower threatened to collapse; while engineers worked frantically to save the building, archaeologists uncovered Roman and Norman remains that attest to the site's ancient history – one of the most extraordinary finds is a Roman culvert, still carrying water to the Ouse. The treasury houses 11th-century artefacts including relics from the graves of medieval archbishops.

    The crypt contains fragments from the Norman cathedral, including the font showing King Edwin's…

    reviewed

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    Tower

    At the heart of the minster is the massive tower, which is well worth climbing for the unparalleled views of York. You'll have to tackle a fairly claustrophobic climb of 275 steps and, most probably, a queue of people with cameras in hand. Access to the tower is near the entrance in the south transept, dominated by the exquisite Rose Window, commemorating the union of the royal houses of Lancaster and York through the marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, which ended the Wars of the Roses and began the Tudor dynasty.

    reviewed

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    Peasholm Park

    Set back from the North Bay, Scarborough's beautiful Edwardian pleasure gardens are famous for their summer sessions of Naval Warfare, when large model ships re-enact famous naval battles on the boating lake (check website for dates).

    reviewed

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  11. J

    Choir, Chapter House & Nave

    Entrance is via the south transept, which was badly damaged by fire in 1984 but has now been fully restored. To your right is the 15th-century choir screen depicting the 15 kings from William I to Henry VI. Facing you is the magnificent Five Sisters Window, with five lancets over 15m high. This is the minster's oldest complete window; most of its tangle of coloured glass dates from around 1250. Just beyond it to the right is the 13th-century chapter house, a fine example of the Decorated style. Sinuous and intricately carved stonework – there are more than 200 expressive carved heads and figures – surrounds an airy, uninterrupted space.

    Back in the main church, take…

    reviewed

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    St Mary's Church

    The atmospheric interior of St Mary's Church is full of skewed and tilting galleries and box pews. You reach the abbey and the church via the famous 199 steps up the cliff side. Take time out to catch your breath and admire the fantastic view.

    reviewed

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