I love this view, which shows Knaresborough's ancient charm to perfection. The wonderful chequerboard house in the middle is known as the Old Manor House. It dates back to 1208 when it was built as a hunting lodge for King John, around an oak tree which still stands in the centre of the house. It was recently restored and if you're interested in old houses, there is a really fascinating article here. It's believed that after Cromwell's troops defeated the Royalists at Marston Moor, in the First English Civil War, the treaty of capitulation was signed by King Charles here in this house, in Cromwell's presence. It has a 400 year old mulberry tree in the garden which still bears fruit. It remains a private residence.
Behind the black and white house you can see a thatched house dating back to the 1500s, Thatched Manor Cottage. Its thatch was destroyed by fire a few years ago and has had to be renewed. I found an interesting picture of it being rethatched here. It sits at the bottom of the wonderfully named Water Bag Bank - so called because ponies used to haul bags of water up the steep hill from the river into the town.
The church at the top is St John's Parish Church.
Great picture, interesting read and fascinating links which I urge others to click on. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAww, just look at the chessboard paint :) It's lovely!
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call Hong Kong
What a beautyful scenery, especially with the blue sky above..and what an interesting historical place!
ReplyDeleteSo interesting, Jenny. Old houses indeed! You have a much deeper well to draw from than we, yet we still value our relatively-new old houses. Jim
ReplyDeleteWhen you say old, Jenny, you mean old. Another informative post today and another excellent photo.
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely lovely Jenny! I like learning about the history too.
ReplyDeleteI love Knaresborough. Can we have Ripon next please?
ReplyDeleteLove that checkerboard house! Your pic is fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a terrific series of posts, jennyfreckles! I'd love to visit Knaresborough.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing place.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photo. Love the checkerboard painted house.
ReplyDeleteDarryl and Ruth :)
Take a look at all those buildings. What a fantastic view! The chequerboard house is amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt boggles my mind to know the age of these places, I think it must be the coolest thing ever to be surrounded by so much history. ~Lili
ReplyDeleteThese eclectic buildings sure do form a cohesive and appealing whole. Not only the view, but your capture, on a blue sky day with the rowboat (just look at the kid fishing!) is perfection. It's amazing how fast the thatch transformed from yellow to black.
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