York

York wasn't on the spreadsheet when we left home but Vicki noticed that the Waterboys were touring during our non-itinerised time in England. We committed to the idea and picked their York concert.

On the way there we jumped off the train at Newark-on-Trent with the idea of experiencing a smaller English town (pop est 30000). It's in the East Midlands near Robin Hood country. It has an authentic feel, lots of history and a castle of course. Our accommodation was on the river adjacent to the town lock and next to the Swan & Salmon. It was fun wandering around. 

The next day we arrived in York. York is king of the yesteryear aesthetic and we were wide eyed and gaping soon after exiting the train station. It's England's second most visited city, and the economics of that are clear, particularly after visiting Newark. 

We booked a guided tour so we're full of facts just at the minute.

Clifford's Tower. Circa 1245. The site of some notable events.

York Minster. Quite a lot of work has gone into this one over the years. It's built on top of the Roman garrison. The Romans established their most northern outpost here, Eboracum, in 71.

One of the corners of the city wall. The red tile stripe is part of the original Roman wall, which was built on by subsequent occupiers. The stone coffins are Roman too, relocated here when they were discovered under the current railway station (19th century). No bones then or now so it's an unsolved mystery.

Our guide described this as the smallest window in York (to the left). It was actually a waste shute, if you know what I mean.

One of the Tudor buildings in Newark. Seeing some great examples of this architectural style.

The Waterboys were excellent. Mike Scott didn't miss a beat and delivered the best of, mixed with recent material. Kieran, residing in the grumpy old man category, was disappointed Steve Wickham, fiddle player extraordinaire, wasn't part of the line-up. The patrons would mostly be eligible for a free bus pass. I age challenged a couple of youngsters in the bar queue and they said they were there supporting their dad.