pontefract

NEFF Trip to Pontefract,
Yorkshire.
Saturday 25th September 2004


REPORT & PHOTO'S by PHIL.B


  
 External view of the Trefoil Keep 


From meeting up in the Baker's Oven to arriving at the Castle the weather descended into a pretty wet start for this particular trip, but it still couldn't dampen the excitement of the eleven who attended Valerie's trip to her hometown. A brief look around the Castle Keep was all that was managed before the Magazine tour began. After descending into the bowels of the castle the young lady who was our guide was very informative about the history of the magazine - from it's use as a prison to a liquorice store!

   
 The Keep The top of the Keep 

   
 The vaulted roof of the
Gascoigne Tower basement		 The Keep from The Great Hall 

  
 The base of Swillington Tower 

   
 The Brewhouse, Bakehouse and
The Kitchen from The Keep		 The Norman Chapel 

   
 Another view of the Kitchen.... ....and the Bakehouse. 

   
 A Bread Oven in the Bakehouse A view of the Kitchen from the Bakehouse 

  
 Looking towards the Great Hall 


In The Magazine

           


CLICK HERE FOR 360° PANORAMA OF PONTEFRACT CASTLE


The Church Of All Saints

From the Castle it was just a short walk to the Church of All Saints. This church is apparently famous for it's 'Double-helix' staircase and a viewing was on our original agenda. Unfortunately for us the church started a refurbishment period a week or so before our visit so we had to settle for one or two external pics.
       

Near the Church were the foundations of an Anglo Saxon Church which are the only visible evidence of Pontefract's early history. It seems to be the predecessor to All Saints just across the road.
   
 Two views of the Anglo Saxon Church foundations 



After lunch, in a local hostelry of course, it was a visit to the Hermitage. This little gem of Pontefract's history is hidden away beneath what is now one of Pontefract's streets with the entrance, somewhat surprisingly, being via the Hospital. David Wilcox, of Pontefract Archaeological Society, gave our Group a very informative talk before we were split into two smaller groups for the viewing of the Well. On the way down the spiral steps were a few curiosity's like a carved skeleton and a skull on a ledge! All in all it was a fascinating place to visit and definitely gave us something to think about. However, we weren't finished there. For whilst one group was viewing the Hermitage Well the other group was viewing the Chapel where people came for the water from the Well. An amiable old gent called Bill was our guide for this part.
               
               



After the hermitage, the next point we headed for was the Museum. After wandering around the very interesting displays for a while it was from here we embarked on our tour of Pontefract town. Our guide was the museum curator, Richard van Riel. For an hour or more he showed us the delights the town had to offer and gave us a excellent dialogue to boot. After the thanks and the pleasantries the Group parted company with Richard and went back to the Counting House for a little light refreshment. Some photo's of the tour are below.
   
 The Museum building The Buttercross 

   
 The Market Hall This carving is 4ft high - No Bull!! 

   
 The Counting House front view... ...and a rear view of The Counting House 

  
 Detail of back wall of the Counting House 



Finally a selection of people who went on this trip - enjoy!

   
 Bill Richard van Riel  

   
 The start of the day Humus and Valerie 

    
 "A-GA-DOO-DOO-DOO" "Where's me brush dad?" "I'm telling you moles ain't that big" 

   
 The Moth Effect - "Don't look at the light!!!" Another Group photo 

   
 The Melter Family and Valerie Dougal, humus, Sue and fish do lunch. 

  
 Dougal rests after the day's excitement 

   
 "Well I got one of....." humus and the Melter family relax 

  
 The smile says it all really! 


PHOTO'S BY SUE HURD
PHOTO'S BY MELTER
PHOTO'S BY HUMUS

REPORT BY LITTLE'UN