St. Helen's Square

I always think of this block in St. Helen's Square as being the "Betty's Block" as it is probably the longest occupier in this block. One thing I had not noticed until I looked at the picture is the rather obtrusive CCTV camera on the end of block above Betty's.

St. Helen's Church

I had hoped to be back in action action again on Monday but I think I wore myself out at the Singapore Schools Reunion o.n Saturday, but I did enjoy myself. I notic eRuby hasn't posted for a week as well so the daily photos have been missing. I dragged myself out of the house this morning and went into town to look for things to photograph and came across some speakers mounted outside St. Helen's church and lots of posters around the door. There was a message issuing forth from the speakers.

A closer look at the sandwich board revealed that Archbishop John Sentamu was leading prayers through the day.

Christmas Tree - St. Helen's Square

This sadly mishapen Christmas Tree is in St. Helen's Square in Front of the Mansion House. Pity somebody didn't spot that awkward looking branch at the top and snip it off before the tree was erected! The tree is covered in small white lights which don't show up all that well in daylight.

Buskers in St. Helen's Square

There is generally a very high standard of entertainment from buskers in York. These two were no exception to this playing some very interesting jazz trumpet numbers despite the drizzly rain.

Doors within the walls 3 - Mansion House

This is probably one of the grandest doors in York. The Mansion House is the residnce of the York Mayor when he is in office and can be found at the top of Coney Street overlooking St. Helens Square.

Betty's Cafe - St. Helen's Square

The famous Betty's Cafe on the corner of St. Heln's Square and Daveygate. It was a well known venue for Air Force crews in the area during WWII. One relic from that time is a mirror with aircrew signatures scratched into the glass. The Cafe is owned nowadays by Taylor's of Harrogate, the tea company. There is also a Betty's Cafe in Harrogate.

St. Helen's Church - St. Helen's Square

St Helen's Church looks out over St. Heln's Square towards the Mansion house. Historic indications show that a church has stood on this spot since the 12th century. It has a history of change and rebuild over the centuries until we see the wonderful building that now stands. It was the chapel for glass painters in mediaeval times. The area that is now St. Helen's Square was part of the churchyard. There is now a separate walled garden in Davygate where headstones from that churchyard can be viewed.

The Mansion House

The Mansion House is the official home of the Mayor of York and is situated at the top end of Coney Street the main shopping street and faces out on to St Helen's square. Facing diagonally across the square is Stonegate, so called because that was the street that stone for the Minster was hauled along from the riverside where the Guildhall stands.