Bargain Flowers in the Market

On a street corner, just by Borders - some bargain flowers available at the end of the day.

Clifford's Tower

I think there are signs telling people to keep off the bank of Clifford's Tower - if they're still there that is. But no-one ever has, as far as I am aware. It basically justs asks to be run/rolled down anyway. My youngest son ran off up here when he was about 18 months old and I had to pursue him right up it and down the other side, to the amusement of spectating tourists.

Posh Hat in the Muck

I spied this hat by the side of Clifford's Tower today. The city is unusually quiet and feels subdued. No traffic jams, no people in posh frocks and mad hats, no crowds flooding into pubs and restaurants. The York Races have had to be cancelled due to the weather and floods, with York Press reporting a £5 million loss to the local economy.

Still Flooded

There is still flooding in York, which for me, means I can't cycle down the far side of the river as it is still submerged. For other people in town, the implications are more serious. The biggest York Race of the year was meant to be taking place at the moment, but flooding on the race course has made that so far impossible. The above scene of flooding was taken from Ouse Bridge. Below is a photo for comparison, of the same scene taken a few months back, in May this year.

A Purple Man

Purple man on Stonegate. The lady approaching in the red jacket blows him a kiss as she walks past. There are often street performers in this part of the city, and there are loads around at the moment, at the height of the tourist season.

Summer Flooding

Today I rode over the Millenium Bridge on my bike, ready to cycle down the river into town, on the opposite side from Terry Avenue. But then I came to an abrupt halt! Cycle path submerged, as are quite a few parts of York prone to flooding at the moment. There's an article in the York Press tonight about homes under threat of flooding too.

Philip IV visits the Shambles

I saw this painting of Philip IV of Spain by Diego Velazquez in London's National Portrait Gallery only a few weeks ago. This afternoon I did a double take to see it hanging on the wall of St Crux, The Shambles. It's not actually the real thing (surprise!) and is part of The Grand Tour in York - "a collection of paintings set free around the streets of York" organised by the National Gallery and York Art Gallery, sponsored by Hewlett Packard. Further information about the project is at The Grand Tour in York website.