Exploring the UK Archives - Michael B Shannon

Arbor Low Stone Circle and Gib Hill Barrow

Posted on 3rd April 202025th March 2020 by Michael

Introduction Arbor Low has been called the Stonehenge of the Peak District. This Neolithic henge monument is a very atmospheric place constructed on high moorland and not dissimilar to the monument in Avebury, Wiltshire. Like Avebury, it has a henge bank and ditch, a stone circle and central stone ‘cove’. Close by is Gib Hill, a large burial mound. At first glance, Arbor Low is not as impressive as its more well known Wiltshire counterpart….

The best of Yorkshire in 22 photos

Posted on 3rd April 202025th March 2020 by Michael

I was born in Yorkshire, still live there now and have lived in the county for most of my life. It has a population equal to that of Scotland’s and covers an area half the size of Belgium. It has a flag of its own (a white rose on a blue background) and its own day of celebration, Yorkshire Day (1st August). Yorkshire is undeniably one of the most beautiful areas in Britain. The county…

Stonehenge Stone Circle

Posted on 3rd April 202025th March 2020 by Michael

Introduction I have always had a fascination with ancient places and stone circles in particular. The Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District and the Arbor Low Stone Circle in the Derbyshire Peak District are places I’ve visited. The circle at Callanish on the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland is still on my list of top places to visit. Of course, the most famous circle is Stonehenge. For a long time,…

The Angel of the North, Gateshead

Posted on 2nd April 202025th March 2020 by Michael

Driving up the A1 towards Gateshead and Newcastle or travelling on the East Coast Main Line you can’t help but notice a large figure looming over the roadside/railside trees. This is the Angel of the North, a contemporary steel sculpture of an angel designed by Antony Gormley. Thousands of people pass its outstretched wings every day. The Angel of the North is visible from miles around. However, you really have to visit the site and…

Museum Gardens, Yorkshire Museum and St Mary’s Abbey, York

Posted on 23rd March 202010th April 2020 by Michael

Museum Gardens The Museum Gardens are five minutes walk from the Minster in the centre of York. The Gardens are named after the Yorkshire Museum which is built on the remains of St Mary’s Abbey. The gardens are free and open most days except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Entrances to the gardens are located at the side of the Art Gallery, Museum Street, at the side of King’s Manor, Marygate and…

Treasurer’s House, York

Posted on 1st March 202025th March 2020 by Michael

Treasurer’s House at the back of York Minster is a peaceful place compared to the busy Minster nearby. The gardens are quiet, very well maintained and arranged around a central lawned area. They also benefit from the stunning backdrop of York Minster on one side. It is the perfect spot to get away from the bustle in summer and find a quiet spot to enjoy your lunch. Treasurer’s House – Picture Gallery Click on any…

York – Clifford’s Tower

Posted on 1st March 202025th March 2020 by Michael

Much of the layout and history of York originates from the Roman and Viking periods. One iconic feature of the city, however, is from the Norman period. The original mound that Clifford’s Tower stands on originally had a timber structure on the top. In 1068 William the Conqueror had this built as a statement of his power over the region. This original building stood for over a hundred years. This was destroyed in a fire…

York Minster

Posted on 24th February 202025th March 2020 by Michael

York Minster is located in the centre of York and dominates the city. It is Northern Europe’s largest medieval cathedral and England’s largest gothic cathedral. As well as the Minster itself, there is the octagonal Chapter House, undercroft, treasury and crypt to explore. If you are feeling energetic and have a spare five pounds (this is in addition to the normal admission charge), a climb up the 275 steps of the massive central tower will…

Yorkshire Coast – Picture Galleries

Posted on 22nd February 202023rd March 2020 by Michael

The Yorkshire coastline has a variety of different coastal landscapes. As you explore the coast you’ll find; tiny fishing villages sitting under rocky cliffs; large stretches of sandy beaches, family-friendly seaside resorts and historic ruins. The coastline runs from the Tees Estuary in the north down to the Humber estuary in the south. This used to sit within the East and North Ridings of Yorkshire. However, in 1974 the boundaries were changed and the northern…

Mount Grace Priory, North Yorkshire

Posted on 18th February 202029th March 2020 by Michael

Mount Grace Priory sits in an idyllic location surrounded by woodland. It can be found at the foot of the Cleveland Hills in the north-west of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. However, it is easily accessible by car as it is only a short distance from the A19, not far from Northallerton. It is well signposted with Brown Signs. The site is probably one of England’s best-preserved Carthusian monasteries. With fine weather, a visit…

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