VISITOR GUIDE
BEVERLEY MINSTER
With its epic stonework aglow on a bright Summer’s afternoon or floodlit on a dark Winter’s eve, Beverley Minster is a must for all visitors to the town, representing as it does one of the great religious landmarks of the North of England. Constructed over a period of three centuries, no one can fail but to stand in awe of this glorious monument of stained glass, exquisite masonry and majestic heights.
ST MARY’S CHURCH
Aside from the obvious architectural delights, the colorful carved minstrels and star emblazoned ceilings, what really gives St.Mary’s Church that special charm are its hidden secrets. Adorning the doorway to the Crypt is a carving of a rabbit, no less than the original inspiration for the White Rabbit of Alice In Wonderland fame. Secluded in the central tower are the Priests Rooms, filled with local curiosities, including scold’s bridles and stocks.
TREASURE HOUSE MUSEUM & BEVERLEY ART GALLERY
The Treasure House Museum is home to the town’s museum and contains a wealth of local artifacts. The adjoining Art Gallery contains an interesting collection of 19th and 20th Century paintings, including works by the renowned local artist Frederick William Elwell (1870-1958). Without doubt, the focal point of the gallery is A PANIC by H.W.B. Davies R.A., a grand and dramatic livestock scene, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of its kind in the world.
THE GUILDHALL
With it’s classical Paladian style facade, The GuildHall was constructed in 1762, and houses the Chambers of the town’s Mayor as well as the county courtroom. The ornate bas-plasterwork that adorns the ceiling of the courtroom is the work of one Guiseppe Cortese. Among other civic relics on display is a portrait of William Spencer, a former Mayor who was responsible for the creation of the Beverley Library and Art Gallery.
THE FRIARY
Standing under the gaze of the Minster, this ancient Dominican friary, founded in 1160 AD, now serves as a Youth Hostel. Shelter for pilgrims throughout the ages, the Friary even gained mention in Chaucer’s classic, The Canterbury Tales. While tastefully restored, the Friary still offers glimpses of its original wall decor and timberwork, and certainly provides an atmospheric place for the weary traveller to rest his head for the night.
THE NORTH BAR
One of what were originally four Bars, which offered access to the town, the North Bar was erected in 1409 AD, and as an accompanying plaque proclaims, at a cost of around £96. Complimenting the Bar is an imposing Tudor fronted building, adorned with local coats of arms. Nearby is Session’s House, the town’s old Court building and jailhouse, where the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin was once held.
THE WESTWOOD
Bounding the western approach to the town, and offering superb views of the historic skyline, the ancient pastureland of the Westwood is popular with both visitors and locals alike. Alongside the area’s natural beauty, you will often find racehorses training there, as well as the ruins of an old windmill, Black Mill. The land is also home to the town’s Golf Club and Racecourse.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
YORK
Originally known as Eboracum, York was founded in 71 AD by the Romans on the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss. In 866, the city was capured by the Vikings and its name changed to Jorvik. Many signs still remain of York’s rich historical past. They can be seen throughout the city, as well as in its many attractions, such as the Castle Museum and the Jorvik Center. The medieval cobbled street, the Shambles, was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series of books.
BRIDLINGTON & FLAMBOROUGH HEAD
Bridlington is one of Yorkshire’s oldest and best loved resorts, with golden beaches and a beautiful harbour. The nearby white chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head bathed in sunlight are one of the great natural sights of Yorkshire. At the tip of the prominentary is North Landing, a scenic cove with craggy arches and smugglers caves, majestically topped by a Lighthouse. Sewerby Park is another local attraction, which boasts a stately home and grounds, as well as a zoo.
