A Medieval Walk

After last week's post, I was itching to get outside to take you on a little tour of the Cathedral grounds after your lovely, wonderful and kind comments.  Today, just before my week's break from work, the sun decided to make a very strong appearance, even though the wind was bitterly cold and I had forgotten my gloves (an essential when taking shots!).  But I was determined, not only because I wanted to share what I was seeing, but also to feel some warmth of the sun once more (and squint...it's been ages since my eyes did that!).  So, have you got some nice comfy shoes on? A nice warm drink and a comforting snack?  All set?  Ok, follow me from this door from the Bishop's Palace... 

 Isn't this a beautiful view of the side of the Cathedral (that you don't see from the front). We have the sweeping view of the cloisters where I took you last week (here), except this week it is a bit more sunny!

In the middle of the picture can you see a little eye brow window?  Here it is close up...

This is on the site of the Ancient Chapter House.  I have looked at various web sites and I think this was built about 1117, but most of the cloister was built in the 1200's.

Just along from this is such a cute little door that I have nicknamed the Alice in Wonderland door.  It is so small and sweet and must lead back into the Cathedral and served a purpose at some stage in its life.

Now opposite the door we came in is this one, the Dean's door that leads into the central nave of the Cathedral.  It may look small and innocent in this photo but it's about 15ft high and extremely heavy to open due to it being solid oak.

I know this is going to show that I'm a little bit sad when it comes to some architecture but I really love this door!  It is a favourite of mine (I know, I'll shut up in a minute!) I love the work that has gone into this and the surrounding stonework, not to mention the hundreds of years of graffiti!  I love the way that the door has been cut into the oak as it would probably be impossible to open if this was the whole structure.  I keep looking at the shot I took below and I am so in love with it!  Oh dear I have door love!!

Ok, are you still with me?  Well let's go through this archway to make our way to the front of the Cathedral.

This walkway makes you feel like you have stepped back completely in time.

Looking up. you feel the magnitude of the place.

And now to the front, extremely windy and my fingers are about to fall off!

Now,  do you love to see what is behind the face of a building? From the front you think, yes there is the entrance and two other arches, but let's take a closer look just behind...

More exquisite old windows, stone work and yes! oak doors, and now the vaulted ceilings...

Staggering aren't they?  And now all together with the Knight's Chamber to the right of the photo.

And behind us Beckett's chapel and the Norman Archway leading to the Cathedral Square and shops, but no shopping today!

 Let's continue with our walk through the cloisters and other medieval places...in the corner is the point we started our tour and the wall where I took my photos last week (here).  The building on the right over the wall is the Bishop's Palace and over the wall in front is where the Bishop's orchard sits with its ancient apple trees.

Along this wall which is c. 1100, the fine stonework can still be seen.

and partially protected by this magnificent roof...I wonder how old this is?

 Through another arch we then enter the outer walls of the Refectory...

and as we keep walking we come to the corner wall with it's gargoyle and boarded up windows...

 As we keep walking round, we come to the remains of the Infirmary...

 Now, I have always described this part of the buildings as the top of the Harry Potter bridge (you know the bridge they cross in each film and overlook the lake?)  It reminds me so much of this from a distance as the arches are HUGE!  I have been told that this is in fact the ruins of the ancient hospital which was built to look like a church all of those years ago.  The arches are just beautiful.

 Now we are at the back of the Cathedral with the flag dancing in the wind against the beautifully blue sky and that solitary tuft of cloud.

The statues still proudly standing and looking down on us.

The spring bulbs still desperately trying to bloom...and now starting to win, with the trees standing guard to give them shelter.

The 'Narnia' lamp that was one of the lamps featured in my post (here), is now basking in the sun...

...and the variety of houses that occupy this wonderful medieval site are now beginning to enjoy the spring.

So here we are again, full circle and back in the cloisters and protected from the wind by that amazing roof.

I hope you have enjoyed the little tour and kept warm with your drink and slippers!  I warmed up eventually, especially with looking forward to a week with Mr and Miss Teenager.  I wonder what adventures we will get up to next week?!

Have a wonderful weekend with whatever you are doing.  I'm looking forward to reading your posts from all your different climates.  Send some warmth my way...please!!

Take care.

This week I am sharing with:

Share Your Cup Thursday

Simple and Sweet Friday

Cottage Style Party
Sunny Simple Sunday
The View From Right Here
Whimsical  Windows, Delirious Doors