April 1, 2014
Yorkshire
Lesley, Rick, and I did a proper last English walk together. We began at a pub, returned from the half-way point pub, and finished at a pub. Our American establishments fail to reproduce the village atmosphere found in English pubs.
Sir Titus Salt, a leading industrialist in the Yorkshire, got it right with his 19th century urban planning for his textile factory and employee housing. The photograph shows an example of his neat stone houses for workers. He included wash houses with tap water, bath houses, hospital, school, library, recreation facility, gymnasium, concert hall, billiard room and scientific lavatory. Is there any wonder why UNESCO selected “Saltiare” as a Wold Heritage Site?
Today Saltiare has become a fashionable living distract. The textile mill turned into a huge live arts center featuring Yorkshire ‘s David Hockney amazing art, restaurants, shops, and historic displays. It was keen seeing how an old industrial building could be revitalized into attractive and financially profitable space; thus, spearheading residential development of restoring and preserving old neighborhoods.
A wee bit of background before moving to Durham Cathedral. I met a father and 16-year old son on my second 192 mile Coast-to-Coast walk and we became fast friends. A few years later James attended Durham University; however, he took off one year to attend Boston College. As that was a year I ran the Boston Marathon, James jumped in the race and ran from the iconic Citgo sign to the finish line as my bandit.
Having toured Boston College with James, I was eager to see Durham University with him and his family.
Six hundred year old Durham University is the third oldest university in England incorprates Durham Castle and Palace Green, as well as managing a World Heritage Site in conjunction with Durham Cathedral. The photograph was taken at Durham Cathedral Cloister. An amazing day spent with James and his parents, Rick and Lesley. Not surprising bits of Harry Potter were filmed here.
Arrived in Yorkshire by train. In less then two hours, I’ve traveled half of England. Lesley, Rick, and James live in a 350 year old home they beautifully restored. The heart of the home is the hearth equipped with an enamel stove for cooking as well as heating the house. Here I sit sipping morning tea.
Linda Scandore 