Yorkshire Philosophical Society

Event Information

Walmgate in York has been colourful, busy and interesting from mediaeval times to the present. The Percys, Earls of Northumberland, had a home here.  There have been churches, factories, brothels, a police station, fine houses and rat infested, insanitary hovels for the poorest of the city, pubs galore and shops selling everything anyone would need or want.  When I attended primary school there, it was still the Irish area, a reminder of the influxes of poor Irish escaping the potato famine.  It was still busy and vibrant, full of alleyways and shops, but had not yet started its progress “upmarket”.

On AUGUST 2^ND you are invited to come and “Wander in Walmgate” with YPS.  We will visit two churches with interesting histories and learn about them and the lives that people have led in the district.  We will end the visit with a hearty meal in one of the buildings which have helped to form Walmgate’s special character.

There will be some walking, but frequent stops and no hurry.  Those who wish will walk a stretch of the Bar Walls.  During the walk we will observe for ourselves the present life and development of Walmgate.

Programme

5.00 pm    Meet at St Georges Church in George Street.  (There is a car park next to the church.)  Mrs Paddy Cox will show us the church and talk about its present life. She will tell us of the Irish Immigrants, their lives in Walmgate and how local people helped them.

5.30 pm    We cross the street to look at “Dick Turpin’s grave” in the churchyard of the Mediaeval St George’s Church (demolished in the 16^th century).  A walk along George Street which hosted the cattle market at one time, to:

5.40 pm    Fishergate Bar and a gentle walk along the walls with views of 1960s housing, to Walmgate Bar which was a home until recently.  A walk then to: St Denys’ Church, which was once much larger, and the Percys’ parish church.  There is some impressive stained glass.  Mrs Brenda Allison will tell us about the church and about life in Walmgate which was her childhood home.

We will then repair to Meltons Too, a modern bistro housed in a most interesting building, where we shall enjoy a hearty main course meal.  (The meal is included in the price, but we will buy our own drinks.)

Booking
Cost £16 per person, divided thus: £10 main course meal; £3 YPS administration fee; £3 donations to St George’s and St Denys’ Churches.
Numbers limited to 20 places only.
For further information and booking form, click here.