Today we had a great breakfast in our hotel restaurant. I tried black pudding (sometimes called “blood pudding”) for the first time ever and I have to say, it wasn’t bad. I wouldn’t order it alone, but it was much better than I had anticipated!
We drove to York and toured York Minster Cathedral. The history of the church dates back to 627 A.D. The Gothic style of the church was begun in the late 1200’s and completed in 1472. Almost 200 years in building the structure! It definitely shows. We had seen some beautiful churches in Germany, but York Minster took your breath away. It was larger and more beautiful than we could’ve imagined. I walked around for almost an hour in silence; I was inspired by every part of the church. One of the windows is thought to have the largest area of any stained glass window in the world.
After our time in the cathedral we were free for lunch. Most of us chose fish and chips. I don’t like fish, but mine was delicious and I certainly love malt vinegar with french fries!
York has a rich heritage. Constantine was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in York in 306 A.D. York has uncovered ancient Roman structures and a Viking village within their archaeological digs. We walked past the home where Guy Fawkes was born in 1570. Fawkes was a Catholic and part of the Gunpowder Plot to kill King James and many members of Parliament. We all did a bit of shopping buying everything from a hat, to shirts, to salted caramel fudge! Back to the hotel for a delicious dinner together and a good night’s sleep.
Tomorrow we head to Epworth to see the home of John Wesley!
