A trip through the Shades in and around The Shambles in York. A tour of York is almost like a stroll along Terry Pratchett’s Ankh-Morpork. York is certainly a historical treasure trove that delivers an air of magical mystery.
York stands testament to the fickle fancies of fashion and the practical considerations of change. If there had been less impetus to make contemporary changes then York would not host the structures that give it such a rich architectural collection. If there had been less practical opposition to remodelling the buildings then the layout of the streets and the face of the city would be vastly different. As it is the city has been developed around existing footprints that show the heritage of this site and offer a walk through several phases of development.
The narrow winding streets are straight out of a history book and they are even fitting for the pages of a fairytale. As I wander round York I wonder if this city has had a hand in shaping Terry Pratchett’s Ankh-Morpork. The city of York has some remarkable views and some strange perspectives. At times the material structures present seem to indicate that there is another layer to this place. Even as you enjoy the present day in York it is quite easy to slip into appreciating the days gone by and to wonder on those days that have yet to dawn.
Altogether York gives plenty of reality as it is a vibrant city. At times it also appears to be a working museum that documents our heritage and continually updates the past with the present. York goes beyond being a historic record and an active city the architectural designs and the street layouts can easily lead you in flights of fancy that people the cobbled streets with historic visions. In York you can choose to enjoy the fantastic presentation laid out before you, or you can allow the power of the pictorial present to fuel your fantasy.
HD film on YouTube
Photos on Flickr
©2010 PHH Sykes
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Fancies
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