Rod Collins

Yet another day out !
This time York in Yorkshire that’s right outside of Lincolnshire
I wanted to see Clifford’s Tower near York castle because of the connection with the Knights Templar.
Not to mention a couple of important items on my shopping list !

Now, you think I’d have learnt my lesson when it comes to leaving Lincolnshire, especially going to Yorkshire and of course it’s not the first time I’ve been to York Shopping but staggeringly the entire trip not only went off without a hitch but was also a most satisfactory binge.

Clifford’s Tower in York

I found the above castle without incident and impressive it was too - truly commanding. It’s a site of considerable historical interest. The site is a prehistoric burial ground and was the original site of William the Conqueror’s first castle, a wood built structure c1068.
Before this tower was built the wooden structure was the scene of a notorious atrocity. 16 March 1190 Jewish families living in York fled there for protection from an Anti-Semitic mob. Unable to get access to them the mob set fire to the wooden tower despite the presence of women and children. All those not burned to death were killed by the mob !

The present stone structure, not called Clifford’s tower at the time but named after Roger de Clifford who was hanged there in 1322, held some of the local Knights Templar when they were rounded up in 1307. They were held for some years before standing initial trial at the Chapter House of York Minster.
This follows the same pattern as Lincoln and our visit to the stunning Chapter House

All things historical concluded that left me with 3 things to do - one should be easy the second difficult and the third impossible.
Task one: replenish energy levels with the now notorious and universally envied Goldeneye Picnic for One
I found a nice quite bench down a side street near an old church and dined like a Templar knight.

Task Two: Find new hiking boots. This was tried previously and failed miserably this time however I not only got the size I wanted but also the exact make and model which I couldn’t even mail order ! Fabulous boots - what a result.
It is here that we should all pause for a moment in joint sadness - this means time has been called on the
Henri Lloyd Transglobe Boot
Looking at that post you’ll note they’ve given sterling service for well over 3 years and seen me cover countless miles. Every trip you’ve ever read about on here saw them with me - a constant companion and a reliable friend - I thank Sir Ranulph Fiennes for bringing them to my attention when he used them albeit slightly more adventurously

Task Three: Acquire a genuine World War I 1914 Iron Cross ! This too was aced - double top !
I almost daren’t drive home - were I to be stopped by the police I’d surely be charged with . . .
driving over the awesome limit - talk about a good day !
Cracking Gromit !

Reshodingly Yours
Rod