Review of Again the Magic, a gorgeous, second chance historical romance set in 19th century England by Lisa Kleypas.
Save Me to Pinterest !!!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Synopsis
Lady Aline Marsden found her other half in childhood friend John McKenna. The problem is that he is a servant and she is the daughter of an earl. When her father finds out about their romance, McKenna is sent away with a warning to never return.
Years later, Aline’s father is dead and McKenna has made his fortune. He returns with his business partner, ostensibly to win over investors for another business venture, but with firm plans for revenge. Certain that she will never marry, Aline figures that she has nothing to lose from a fling with McKenna and goes after the memories that were denied her when she was younger.
Review
Again the Magic tells a beautiful second chance love story between two childhood sweethearts from different social classes. The characters have been through so much that you just have to want them to have a happily ever after. Overall, it’s a wonderful, well-written story with many dimensions and a lot of depth.
I loved how Again the Magic had a second romance woven into the story. Aline’s sister has such a sad backstory that I was so happy when she found love. Livia and Gordon were such an unusual couple from very different backgrounds, but their relationship was so sweet.
The characters were well-developed; even the minor characters’ personalities were shown clearly. Aline and McKenna’s feelings towards each other were obviously very deep and I enjoyed how realistic their reactions to events were.
I found Aline infuriating. She keeps pushing McKenna away and coming up with these ridiculous excuses instead of telling him the truth. Her secrecy is convincing and understandable, and to some extent I felt sorry for her. However, I also found the pride behind it foolish.
McKenna is the embodiment of the perfect hero; he’s passionate, powerful, and handsome, but tender and caring. He also doesn’t seem to be afraid of showing genuine emotion. These emotions appear so intense. I loved how McKenna was honest at the end about the suffering Aline had put him through; it’s heart-breaking.
Conclusion
Have you read Again the Magic? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
Bridgerton is Netflix’s new, top watched original series. In it, Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, start a false courtship, which quickly leads to real feelings.
However, Simon is determined to get revenge on his father for his difficult childhood by never having children. This causes problems, as Daphne is the fourth of eight children and wants nothing more than to marry and have a family.
As the show is based on a series of books by Julia Quinn, I thought I would read the books and write out my thoughts on how they compared to the show. Season one is based on the first book; you can find my review of The Duke and I here.
Time Spent on Different Characters
I didn’t like how the TV show had so little time focused on Simon and Daphne. Usually, romances spend the majority of the time looking at the hero and/or heroine and their relationship. Bridgerton filled a lot of screen time with the exploits of the other siblings.
In my review of The Duke and I, I said that I thought the first half of the book felt like a set-up for the rest of the series. Book-Simon and book-Daphne’s relationship doesn’t develop at a realistic pace, but other characters are expertly introduced. There’s space for TV-Simon and TV-Daphne’s relationship to develop more realistically.
It felt like the TV show also used this first season as a set-up for the rest of the series. The show told the other Bridgerton sibling’s backstories around the main story (didn’t leave much for future seasons, really). Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time focused on Simon and Daphne’s story for me to feel invested in their relationship.
Lady Whistledown
In the books, we don’t find out the identity of Lady Whistledown (the scandal writer) until the fourth book (Romancing Mister Bridgerton). In fact, The Duke and I spends no time pondering Lady Whistledown’s identity. (Aside from the occasional “she must have a spy in the family” comment, of course).
However, the TV show characters spend quite a bit of time discussing who Lady Whistledown might be. Eloise even launches her own amateur investigation into the matter.
Actors of Colour
One of the major differences between the Bridgerton books and TV show is the numbers of coloured people. The book characters are all lilywhite English aristocrats typical of the genre. The Netflix show has been praised for “colour blind” casting.
There is a theory that the Queen at the time may have been part black. Evidence includes a rather unflattering comment made by a royal physician and a portrait where she has unfashionably full lips. Additionally, her family tree has been traced back to a Portuguese noblewoman who may have been coloured (the evidence for this is far from conclusive, however).
Apparently, the show is set in an alternate reality where Queen Charlotte was half-African and favoured other part-African people. Even in such circumstances, I highly doubt that the Queen would have been able to elevate so many people of colour to so many (usually hereditary) positions in the 50-odd years she was married to King George.
Queen Charlotte and Prince Frederik
The Queen doesn’t appear at all in The Duke and I. I didn’t particularly like Queen Charlotte, but she certainly added to the story. By all accounts, the real-life Queen Charlotte took an active interest in society, so including her was realistic. And her hair and gowns were generally magnificent.
Her presence also made it easy to introduce Prince Frederik to the story. Daphne’s relationship with Prince Frederik adds another dimension to Simon and Daphne’s relationship that I enjoyed. Additionally, it creates some interesting action for the time that Simon and Daphne grow closer.
Anthony and Siena
In The Viscount who Loved Me, we find out that Anthony (Daphne’s eldest brother) is convinced he will die before his 39th birthday because his own father died aged 38. For this reason, he is afraid of falling in love. Apparently being in love would make his limited lifespan painful to live with.
On the TV show, Anthony appears to be in love with Siena (or at least thinks he is). This makes it look like Anthony’s problems with love are going to stem from previous heartbreak, not his father’s death.
At present, I don’t like this change, but we’ll see how they deal with it in season 2.
Simon’s Backstory
In The Duke and I, Simon’s backstory is told almost all at once in the prologue and first chapter. The show used flashbacks sprinkled throughout the episodes to tell the same backstory.
I liked how the show kept the backstory itself the same, but preferred the way the book delt with it. However, I loved how the show included a high-tension scene where Simon makes a vow to his father on his deathbed – so dramatic, and really highlighted just how much Simon hated the old duke.
Why can’t Daphne find a husband?
The reasons behind Daphne being unable to find a husband differed between the book and the show.
In the book, she’s a rather ordinary girl who becomes everyone’s friend but no one’s romantic heroine. Sure, Simon speculates that her overbearing elder brothers might have something to do with it, but it’s not the main reason.
In the show, Daphne is “flawless,” and every man wants to court her. Her inability to snag a husband has everything to do with Anthony scaring away potential suitors.
I preferred the book version. Book-Daphne was so much more relatable. The book also made Nigel Berbrooke more redeemable; he may be a minor character, but he does appear briefly in the book’s epilogue and The Viscount who Loved Me.
Favourite Scenes
I watched season one of Bridgerton before reading The Duke and I, and there were a couple of scenes that I hoped would also be in the book. I loved the scene where Anthony and Daphne try to turn on the stove so they can have warm milk without waking any of the servants.
As great as TV-Simon and Daphne’s conversation at the inn was, I preferred the book version of Violet telling Daphne about marriage, and the ensuing wedding-night conversation. It was just so funny. Daphne’s mother failed so completely to tell her anything useful and it led to such a hilarious misunderstanding.
Have you, also, watched Bridgerton on Netflix and read the books? How do you think they compare? Let me know in the comments below.
Book review of The Viscount who Loved Me by Julia Quinn, an historical romance novel set primarily in regency London.
Save Me on Pinterest !!!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Synopsis
Kate Sheffield is determined to protect her younger sister, Edwina, from society’s rakes while they are in London for the season. This creates quite a problem for Anthony Bridgerton, who has decided that it’s time he found a wife. Edwina fits his requirements, so he pursues her.
As the sisters get to know Anthony, Kate realises that Anthony isn’t as terrible as she had thought. But just as she removes her objection to Anthony courting Edwina, Kate and Anthony are found in a compromising situation involving a bee.
Their ensuing marriage works out well, until Anthony realises he might be falling in love with Kate. Because of his certainty that he will die sometime in the following nine years, this terrifies him. Can he and Kate defeat their demons? Will they be able to love each other freely?
Review
The Viscount who Loved Me is the second of Julia Quinn’s books about the Bridgerton siblings. It tells the story of how Anthony, the eldest Bridgerton, finds love and marries the next viscountess.
I liked how Kate isn’t the ravishing beauty who is the typical heroine in romance novels. She has an inner beauty that Anthony eventually recognises, but she is always compared to the more fashionably beautiful Edwina. It’s such a refreshing change from the norm.
Kate is brilliant. She is intelligent, has a sharp wit, and cares for others. When Anthony is less than perfectly polite, Kate doesn’t hold back from being rude right back. And the way she delights in Anthony’s discomfort is hilarious.
I also loved the relationship between Mary and Kate. They have a really strong bond and I might have forgotten they weren’t mother and daughter if it wasn’t mentioned so much. Mary is so unlike the stereotypical evil stepmother I just had to like her.
My favourite scene has to be the scene where they all play Pall Mall. It showed Anthony’s devotion to his family and further built his relationship with Kate. Before this, Anthony was difficult to like (not great for a romance hero); his views on marriage and how he treated Kate were so annoying. I also loved the glimpse of Daphne and Simon, the protagonists from the first book in the series (The Duke and I).
The Viscount who Loved Me is full of hilarious dialogues. Anthony and Kate have the best banter. They also exchange veiled insults and share tender moments. It was such fun to read.
Unfortunately, the steamy and tension-filled scenes between Anthony and Kate became a bit lukewarm towards the end of the book. Their banter is no longer fun and light, but grows serious.
Conclusion
Have you read The Viscount who Love Me? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
Review of The Duke and I, a regency era romance set in 1813 London by Julia Quinn.
Save Me on Pinterest !!!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Synopsis
After two seasons of minimal success on the marriage mart, Daphne Bridgerton is uncertain if she will ever meet a man she can marry. Then she meets Simon Basset, newly minted Duke of Hastings.
Simon was rejected by his father for having a stutter as a child. Because of this, he is determined never to marry or have children to carry on the family line. He suggests to Daphne that they pretend to be courting. Hopefully, this will keep the Ambitious Mamas of marriageable-aged daughters from bothering him and make her more attractive to potential suitors.
However, Simon is increasingly attracted to Daphne, and Daphne cares more and more for Simon. And after they are found in a compromising position in a garden, Daphne’s elder brother demands they marry. Simon eventually agrees, but his constant dedication to spite his father comes between them. Can Daphne defeat Simon’s hatred of his father?
Review
The Duke and I is the first of Julia Quinn’s novels about the Bridgerton siblings. It tells the love story of how Daphne, the eldest Bridgerton daughter and fourth Bridgerton child. It is also the inspiration for the first season of Netflix’s fantastic new show: Bridgerton.
The first half of the story almost seemed like a different book to the second half. I think the author may have used the first half to set the scene for the rest of the series. She introduced the large and lively Bridgerton family masterfully. Aside from some serious physical attraction, the relationship between Simon and Daphne didn’t develop much. This made the kissing in the garden scene feel a bit sudden.
The chemistry between Simon and Daphne was beautiful. I just couldn’t help falling in love with them as a couple. I liked how they have vastly different backstories but still have a connection and common purpose. And the banter between them was fun and adorable.
“Sir! Sir!”
With great reluctance, he dragged his eyes up to her face. Which was, of course, delightful in and of itself, but it was difficult to picture her seduction when she was scowling at him.
“Were you listening to me?”
“Of course,” he lied.
“You weren’t.”
“No,” he admitted.
A sound came from the back of her throat that sounded suspiciously like a growl. “Then why,” she ground out, “did you say you were?”
He shrugged. “I thought it was what you wanted to hear.”
Daphne is such an amazing young woman. She’s intelligent, friendly, and clear-headed. She has a sly sense of humour and a fantastic grasp on how to deal with men. I loved how she wasn’t afraid to interfere in things that affected her even though the men tried to exclude her.
Some parts of the story were repeated a bit often. These include the fact that Simon’s stutter is brought on by stress and anger and that Daphne is from a large and loving family with overbearing brothers. It keeps things consistent, but gets a bit overdone.
The Controversial Scene
About 80% of the way through The Duke and I, there is a controversial, potentially triggering scene. Some people would say that Daphne raped Simon. I’m not so sure – it’s very much more complicated than that.
Because of his problems with his father, Simon has decided that he will never have children. So before agreeing to marry Daphne, he tells her that he cannot have children. Daphne takes this to mean that there is something physically wrong with him and because she’s so innocent, she doesn’t notice the little thing he does to ensure that she will never conceive.
Two weeks into their marriage, Daphne puts two and two together and realises what Simon has been doing. They fight about it, and after a failed reconciliation, Simon gets very drunk. After a short nap, they have some apparently mutually consensual sexy times that becomes less mutually consensual at the end. Simon (understandably) becomes very angry and leaves.
I’m not going to get into the debate of who was right or wrong. However, I didn’t like the way it was delt with in the story. Simon and Daphne separate for a time, but come back together fairly easily.
Neither of them acknowledges their mistakes or apologises to the other. There’s very little discussion afterwards, and what discussion they have is centred around having children, not the issues they’ve had. I find it difficult to believe that a couple could get over something so major so easily.
Conclusion
Have you read The Duke and I? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
After a life on crusade, Brother Cadfael has retired to the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul outside Shrewsbury. His days are mostly spent working in the garden and creating medicines for the local community. However, his worldly experience makes him perfect for solving any mysteries that come his way.
These mysteries sometimes take Brother Cadfael away from Shrewsbury and the monastery. Occasionally, he is called to his native Wales. Always, he uncovers the truth and does what he can to see the right thing done.
Review
One of my favourite TV shows at the moment is Death in Paradise. I like it, partially, because despite the fact that it’s a murder mystery, the overall feeling is upbeat with the occasional bit of humour. The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael are the same. The writing is light and easy even as it deals with death and murder.
I like how the books don’t glorify the violence that must occur in murder mysteries and books set in this rather violent period of English history. They don’t go into detail on the gore-y bits and the language is kept clean.
Speaking of language, the writing style is easy to read. While it’s obviously not the same English that was spoken during the 12th century, the language doesn’t feel historically out of place – there’s no modern slang, euphemisms, or sayings. Also, the pacing is generally unrushed, which feels suitable to the historical setting, but doesn’t drag.
While the books are set in a particular historical period, the reader doesn’t have to know anything about history. However, Ellis Peters (the author) still pays attention to historical details, particularly clothing and the way things are run.
I also like how much variety there is between the different mysteries. Victims are murdered in various ways: strangulation, poisoning, stabbing. Then there’s the occasional mysteries that look like but aren’t murders. So much variety!
Have you read this series? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
Book review of The Other Boleyn Girl, an historical fiction novel set in Tudor England by Philippa Gregory.
Save Me on Pinterest !!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Synopsis
This book follows Mary, sister of Anne Boleyn (Henry VIII’s second wife). Mary is lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine of Aragon when she catches the king’s eye. Her ambitious and overbearing uncle sees an opportunity and quickly removes Mary from her husband’s household. Before long, she is in the king’s bed advancing her family’s fortunes.
After she has borne him a daughter and a son, Henry’s attentions stray to Mary’s beautiful older sister, and Mary is ordered to help Anne catch the king. As always, she obeys, but then Anne falls out of favour and their entire family is put at risk.
Review
Like Philippa Gregory’s other Plantagenet/Tudor books, The Other Boleyn Girl is heavy reading with many historical tidbits. Generally, I find that Philippa Gregory sticks to the historical record, but also goes along with whatever current theories happen to be popular. When reading this book, you do have to keep in mind that it is a novel, and as such is not historically perfect.
I loved the relationship between Mary and William Stafford. William was obviously able to give her the kind of life she wanted but couldn’t have being at court all the time. I really admire Mary’s strength in standing up to her uncle and leaving her family with William. I’ve come across Thomas Howard before and he was clearly a Horrible Man.
“Who d’you think is hearing the evidence against these men? Who will be president of the court against your brother? Your own uncle! Does he use his influence to save him? Does your father? No.”
Most of The Other Boleyn Girl is written from Mary’s POV. This makes some of the characters seem one-sided. For example, Catherine of Aragon is portrayed as an older woman/role-model who can do nothing bad.
The exception to this is Mary’s brother and sister. Mary has a real love/hate relationship with George and Anne. She loves them both dearly, but is often jealous of or frustrated at them. Like when Anne denies Mary permission to see her children, Mary hates Anne.
That being said, this book didn’t push sympathy for Anne Boleyn under the reader’s nose. Many people see Anne as a victim, and she is usually portrayed as one. The Other Boleyn Girl shows her doing some questionable things but also as a victim who had few choices and did what she was pushed to.
Conclusion
Have you read The Other Boleyn Girl? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
Review of Lady of the English by Elizabeth Chadwick, historical fiction based on the life of Henry I’s daughter, Matilda, set in 12th century England and France.
Save Me on Pinterest!!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Synopsis
Following the death of her husband, Empress Matilda returns to her father’s court in England. As he has no surviving legitimate sons, King Henry is making plans and back-up plans for the succession. Part of these plans involve marrying Matilda to Geoffrey, Count of Angou. Matilda is almost twice Geoffrey’s age and sees him as little more than an insolent puppy.
Then Henry dies. Matilda’s cousin Stephen swoops in to take her father’s crown before her supporters can act. United by the need to secure their sons’ futures, Matilda campaigns for England while Geoffrey fights in Normandy. Will they succeed? Can Matilda win back the crown her father promised her?
Review
Of course, anyone who knows the least bit of Medieval English history knows how the story ends. Stephen holds on to the crown until his death, at which point Matilda’s son Henry becomes king. I liked how the author ended the book where she did, at the point where Matilda leaves England and her son comes to the fore of the story.
I like how Lady of the English shows Matilda in a different light to how she is usually seen. Historically, Matilda is thought of as proud, demanding, and overbearing. Book-Matilda is brave, intelligent, and frustrated at not being taken seriously just because she’s a woman. This makes her fascinating and likeable.
She looked round at the menfolk of her family and knew they would never understand, much less want to do so. That her place was above theirs, that she was the only one born of a ruling king and queen, was cause for envy, not worship. Had she been male, she could have led the discussion about to begin without a second thought. As it was, although she was a figurehead, they did not expect her to contribute to the dialogue, any more than they expected her to gird on a sword and don a mail shirt. Geoffrey was here with his army, amply fortified by the two thousand marks Stephen had given to him the previous year. He wanted to talk tactics with Robert, not her.
The author, Elizabeth Chadwick, does a great job of plausibly filling the gaps in the historical record. She really transported me into the 12th century. I appreciated how well she stuck to historical fact; for example, there is an opportunity to sensationalise the story with a possible affair between Matilda and one of her supporters, but the evidence is sketchy and she instead shows Matilda as devoted to God and her family. The book seems really well researched, though I’m not so sure about her use of akashic records.
The ending had me crying my eyes out (this seems to happen a lot these days). For so long, Adeliza had longed for children and once she finally had a family, she had very little time with them before she became unwell and had to leave. It is so sad.
Conclusion
Have you read Lady of the English? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
Review of One Corpse Too Many, the second Chronicle of Brother Cadfael by Ellis Peters, a mystery set in 12th century England.
Save Me on Pinterest!!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Synopsis
Following the 1138 Siege of Shrewsbury, 94 people are executed. Brother Cadfael volunteers to clean and dispose of the bodies. Counting them, Cadfael notices that there are 95 bodies. He identifies the extra corpse and is convinced that he must find the killer.
His breakthrough comes when his new helper finds the dead man’s friend lying behind some bushes, badly wounded. Together, the three of them work to gather evidence and Cadfael finds who was behind the attack, and why they attacked.
Review
I really enjoyed One Corpse Too Many. It has a couple of romantic sub-plots, lots of lively intrigue, and interesting characters. The overall story is well constructed. I love the way this author writes; the language feels like it fits the historical setting and it doesn’t linger on the gore-y bits.
One Corpse Too Many was the first of the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael that I read and even though it’s technically the second book in the series, it’s a great starting point. It’s the book that introduces Hugh Beringar; even though Hugh becomes important in the rest of the series, it’s not obvious in this book.
The evidence was attained a bit too conveniently. Cadfael seems to stumble across much of the evidence, especially the last piece that proves who the murderer is, accidentally. Even once he knows who the murderer is, the murderer is only convicted through trial by combat. Granted, it took intelligence to put all the pieces together.
Cadfael was walking back to the hall when his eye fell upon a lad of about twelve, who was sitting in the torchlight on the inner side of the gate house, his back comfortably against the wall, carving his meat into small pieces with a narrow-bladed knife. Cadfael had seen him earlier, in the kitchen, gutting fish with the same knife, but he had not seen the haft of it, and would not have seen it now if the boy had not laid it down beside him on the ground while he ate.
Cadfael halted and gazed, motionless. It was no kitchen knife, but a well-made dagger, and its hilt was a slender shaft of silver, rounded to the hand, showing delicate lines of filigree-work, and glowing round the collar of the blade with small stones. The hilt ended in a twist of silver broken off short. It was hard to believe, but impossible not to believe. Perhaps thought really is prayer.
I liked how Ellis Peters respects both sides of the ongoing war. She doesn’t favour either Stephen or Maud (Matilda) over the other. In fact, many of the characters seem unconcerned about who sits on the throne and it makes no difference to the story.
Conclusion
Have you read One Corpse Too Many? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
York has played a large role in English history, from the time the Vikings invaded in the 9th century to the beginning of the Tudor era. While the Vikings ruled the north of England, it was capital of the Danelaw and England’s second city; the title “Duke of York” traditionally goes to the reigning monarchs second son; and the archbishop of York is the second most important man in the Church of England.
The Middle Ages was York’s heyday. Much of the city’s layout originates from this time, and quite a few buildings are still in use. Read on for my recommendations of the best places to find Medieval York.
City Walls
The medieval stone walls that were built around York during the 13th century are still mostly in place. They were built on ramparts created when Vikings buried the remains of the Roman walls before building their own walls on top. In the 19th century, the walls were repaired and turned into a public walkway.
Walking the full circuit takes about two hours, but you could easily make a day of it – take it slowly, stop for lunch, and spend some time thoroughly exploring the bars.
Richard III Experience
The Richard III Experience is a small museum found in the city walls. It is housed in Monk Bar, the largest of the remaining gateways and the only one with a functioning portcullis. Most of the building dates from the early 14th century, and Richard III himself had the uppermost floor added.
Richard III’s reign was short and grisly as he fought to retain power. The Experience takes a thorough look at warfare during this time, with displays of weapons and armour, and even the skeleton of a soldier from the Battle of Towton. It also looks at the case for Richard’s involvement in the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower.
Henry VII Experience
Complimentary to the Richard III Experience, the Henry VII Experience is housed in Micklegate Bar. It tells the story of Henry VII, particularly what happened after the Battle of Bosworth and the kind of relationship he had with the city of York.
Clifford’s Tower
All that is left of the two castles built by the Normans in the 11th century is Baile’s Hill (a large mound of dirt with a few trees on it – pretty unremarkable) and Clifford’s Tower. Clifford’s Tower stands at the top of its’ own hill overlooking York Castle Museum. There isn’t all that much to do inside, but it has some gorgeous views.
Clifford’s Tower has played a part in many gruesome medieval events, including a Jewish massacre and the execution of Robert Aske. In fact, its’ name might come from a particularly horrible hanging back when it was still a wooden tower.
Yorkshire Museum
Set in the grounds of what was once the richest abbey in Northern England, Yorkshire Museum has a permanent collection of objects from Medieval York. Called “Capital of the North,” most of the objects displayed are Viking or late medieval. Highlights include the Bedale Hoard, St Mary’s Figure of Christ, and the Middleham Jewel.
Aside from the museum itself, the Yorkshire Museum Gardens house what remains of St Mary’s Abbey. In its’ day, St Mary’s Abbey was among the richest, most powerful monasteries in England. Also in the garden, you can find The Hospitium and the ruins of St Leonard’s Hospital, neither of which are as impressive as the abbey ruins but are both medieval.
Barley Hall
This late medieval townhouse has been restored and opened as a tourist attraction. It was tenanted during the 15th century by the Snawsell family; the father, William Snawsell, was mayor of York in 1468, after which he became an alderman until shortly before his death.
The restoration was done using medieval techniques and historically accurate materials as far as possible. Most of the house is interactive, so you can sit on chairs, pick-up objects, and try on the few available costumes. It’s great fun and very informative.
York Minster
It is believed that a small wooden church stood on this site in the 7th century. The Normans built the first stone Cathedral here, and this building has morphed slightly into the Minster we see today – most of the present building dates from the 13th and 14th centuries.
While you’re there, check-out the undercroft museum. This space is used to display the Roman and Medieval objects found buried under the Minster during engineering works in the 1960s and 70s. Medieval highlights include Saxon Gravestones, the Horn of Ulf, and a ring worn by Walter de Gray (a 13th century archbishop).
Merchant Adventurers Hall
In the Great Hall
Not to be confused with the Merchant Taylor’s Hall, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is one of York’s Guildhalls. Built during the mid-14th century, it is still used as a meeting place for the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York. The Company used to be a guild of importers; today they manage the hall and several charities.
The building combines a Great Hall (for meetings) with an Undercroft (for charity) and a Chapel (for religion). The Great Hall is particularly spectacular, with a double ceiling; also look out for the Evidence Chest, a 14th century box used to store the guild’s important documents.
There are also several smaller rooms (perhaps used for more intimate gatherings) with various items from the Hall’s history on display, including silverware, artworks, and a model Napoleon with a very interesting history. All visitors are given a written guide that explains what everything is and what it was used for.
JORVIK Viking Centre
From outside, the building that houses the JORVIK Viking Centre is disappointing; it looks nothing like you would expect. But once inside, the Viking theme becomes much more apparent.
Visitors are guided into a “capsule” that takes them through a recreation of 10th century York. This recreation is based on what was found during an excavation of the site where the Viking Centre stands today.
Once the ride is over, there is a museum/display area that shows some of the Viking era objects that were uncovered on the site. These include the remains of two people, numerous combs, and a sock. There are also several “Vikings” available to answer questions and show off various aspects of Viking life.
Churches
Holy Trinity Goodramgate
By the 14th century, York had over 40 parish churches. More than a dozen church buildings from the medieval era still stand, and while some have been repurposed, many are still used as places of worship.
Unless you’re really into old churches, I recommend picking two or three churches (in addition to the Minster) and visiting those. They tend to look similar to each other after a while and it can be difficult to pick out something special about each one.
The Shambles is a narrow lane that is said to be one of the UK’s most picturesque streets. Up until the 19th century, it was home to the city’s butchers – several buildings still have their old meat-hooks and shelves for displaying meat on the front.
Today, it is lined with mostly non-meat-selling shops, including at least four Harry Potter themed shops, specialty food shops, and other stores perfect for buying quality souvenirs. Through a small alleyway on the western side of the Shambles, there is an open-air market that is also quite nice to wander around, and much less crowded.
Enjoyed this post? Please share on Social Media or leave a comment. Been to York and carried out your own search for the medieval era? How did it go?
York is absolutely littered with old churches, many of them medieval. 14th century York had more than 40 parish churches, plus the cathedral/minster and several monasteries. Many of them are still standing and can be visited. Read on for my comprehensive list of York’s Medieval churches, along with some honourable mentions.
York Minster
York Minster is the huge cathedral at the northern corner of the old city. It is the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe (don’t take my word on that – I haven’t gone to all the Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe and measured them).
There may have been a wooden church on this site in York from the 7th century, but construction on the first stone cathedral here started in the 11th century. That cathedral was significantly remodelled from 1220 onwards and became the magnificent building that we see today.
The Minster is the only medieval church on this list that visitors have to pay to enter. While it’s not overly cheap, it is well worth paying for. You cannot go to York without visiting York Minster.
All Saints North Street
This is one of the more out of the way churches in the centre of York. It is located along a quiet stretch of North Street between Lendal and Ouse bridges; access from the Lendal Bridge end is difficult, so I recommend finding your way along from Micklegate.
All Saints North Street claims to have one of the best collections of medieval stained glass in England. This collection includes the Corporal Acts of Mercy window (showing a local wealthy merchant helping the sick and poor) and the Pricke of Conscience window (based on a middle English poem).
All Saints Pavement
Looking down along one of the first streets in York to be paved, All Saints has a tall lantern tower that can be seen from all around the city; presumably the light used to guide travellers towards the city.
This church has a long history, with firm evidence for it having existed since at least the 10th century. It seems to have been a wealthy church with local leaders and merchants as parishioners and once housed a valuable holy relic. Enter the nave and look up – the stunning blue-panelled ceiling dates from the 15th century.
St Helen Stonegate
Towering over St Helen’s Square, this church in the centre of York is dedicated to the mother of Emperor Constantine. There is a stained-glass window in the church with glass from the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries – two of the panels show images that probably represent St Helen and Constantine. Another interesting feature is a memorial to some particularly long-lived sisters.
Much of the church has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently during the Victorian era. The oldest part still there is the font, which dates from the 12th century. There is still some 13th century stonework, but most of the building dates from the 14th and 15th centuries.
St Martin-le-Grand
Founded in the 11th century, this church was extended in the 13th century and had significant buildings works done in the 15th century. In 1730 it became York’s official civic church, and the National Gazetteer of 1868 called it one of the most beautiful churches in York.
Unfortunately, St Martin-le-Grand was bombed during the Second World War. The remains were rebuilt into a memorial to the victims of war. The south wall is original, as is the window at the west end of the building (it was removed to keep it safe during the war and built into the reconstruction). Today, it is a very calm place to take some time out in the middle of the busy city centre.
St Mary Bishophill Junior
The first part of this church to be built was the tower, which dates from just following the Norman Conquest. Shortly afterwards, the nave was built for the growing congregation. As the room at the base of the tower is presently used as a prayer and meeting space, it claims to be the longest continually used worship space in York.
Saint Denys Walmgate
St Denys is a French saint who reportedly carried his decapitated head for several miles. It is worth visiting because of this story alone, even if the church wasn’t so interesting. The building was originally quite a bit larger but part of the land subsided when the King’s Fishpool was drained and a sewer built nearby.
The Norman-style entrance doorway is one of the oldest features, dating from the 1160s-ish. There are also some 12th century carved heads and roundels (thought to be the oldest glass in York). Other notable features include the rest of the stained-glass windows and monuments to the powerful Percy family who lived nearby.
Of all the medieval churches in York, St Denys Walmgate was my favourite.
St Margaret’s Church
This church has existed since at least the 12th century. It was never as rich as neighbouring St Denys, and very little of the original building has stood the test of time. The building was largely rebuilt and enlarged during the 14th century, and during the 17th century the steeple collapsed and wasn’t repaired for yonks.
Today, it is home to the National Centre for Early Music (early music being medieval and renaissance era music). If you ask me, St Margaret’s is the best setting for such an organisation.
Church of the Holy Trinity Goodramgate
Tucked out of sight behind a busy row of shops, this is the only church in York that still has its’ box-pews. Most of the building is from the 15th century, but there are pieces from as early as the 12th century still visible.
The atmosphere inside is old-fashioned and authentic. It has uneven floors, several small alcoves, no electric lighting, and a gorgeous churchyard. I was there in January and I could see my breath. If you’re interested in LGBT history, this is the place where Anne Lister and Ann Walker “took sacrament to seal their union” in 1834.
St Olave’s Church
Just outside the Marygate entrance to the Museum Gardens, St Olave’s used to be home to the order that built St Mary’s Abbey. It was founded in the early 11th century and dedicated to the Viking warrior/king who took Christianity to Norway.
Its’ location makes it easy to visit alongside the Yorkshire Museum and Museum Gardens. Outside, the entrance seems small. Inside, it is large and airy, if a bit dim due to the lack of electric lighting. The churchyard is gorgeous, surrounded by the city walls with beautiful trees providing shade.
St Andrew’s Evangelical Church
The history of this plain building starts during the 14th century. The church was closed in 1559 and over the following centuries the building had many uses, including a stable, a brothel, and a school. Today, it’s back to being a church. It’s small, but they’ve kept many original features, especially outside.
St Cuthbert’s Church
The Lord Mayor of York, William de Bowes, had this church rebuilt in 1430. It has strong links to the family of James Wolfe (aka the Hero of Quebec) leading to it sometimes being called the Cradle of Canada.
It has combined with St Michael le Belfry and now the building is used as church offices. Going inside for a look is difficult, but there’s nothing to see here that you cannot see at another medieval church.
St Michael’s Spurriergate Church
Today the Spurriergate Centre is a chartable trust with an aim to provide community and hospitality with a Christian focus. It is housed in the building that used to house St Michael’s Church; the first stone church here was built in the 12th century and much of the current building is 14th and 15th century.
St Martin-cum-Gregory
St Martin’s Church dates back to the 11th century, though much of the remaining building is from the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1585, St Martin’s combined with St Gregory’s to become St Martin-cum-Gregory. The church now houses a branch of the Stained-Glass Centre.
The Stained-Glass Centre holds lectures and workshops about stained-glass making techniques and history. The building of St Martin-cum-Gregory has what is supposedly some great stained-glass windows, but opening is limited and it wasn’t open during the time I was in York.
A church has been here since before the Norman Conquest. Afterwards, it was left in some disrepair until a group of Benedictine monks from France rebuilt it. The Priory was caught up in the Dissolution of the Monasteries and became a regular parish church.
Today, there are some lovely displays at the back showing visitors the history of the church, the Bible, and the Benedictine order. It’s one of the few churches I visited in York that looked set-up to receive visitors (not just open).
Honourable Mentions
St Michael le Belfry: this church may or may not be medieval, depending on what date you put on the end of the middle ages. Built between 1525 and 1536, it sits on the site of the old Minster Belfry. It is best known as the church where Guy Fawkes was baptised.
St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church: the original church of St Wilfrid was demolished in 1585. The parish was revived in the 1740s and the present church built in the 1860s in the gothic revival style (it looks medieval).
St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel: this church was built for Presbyterian worship in the 1690s, following the passing of an act allowing greater freedom of worship. Unusually for this time, it is largely made of bricks.
So that’s my super comprehensive list of Medieval Churches in York. Have you visited any of these churches? Tell me what you thought. Do you know of any that I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments.
