rich_jacko: (steampunk)
rich_jacko ([personal profile] rich_jacko) wrote2014-06-22 05:21 pm

Out and about

Friday's social was extremely pleasant, sitting out in the beer garden until around 11, with it still light(ish) outside :o)

This weekend, I found myself with really good summer weather and no other plans. So I decided to go do a bit of sightseeing.

Yesterday I caught the train to Beverley and discovered it's a scenic little Georgian town. There were morris dancers out in force in the town centre, marking the solstice. The Minster is of course spectacular with some amazing sculptures, new and old. I recommend the roof tour, if only for Britain's oldest man-sized hamster wheel, driven by Fiona Bruce's stunt double (Don't ask!).

Morris dancing in Beverley More morris dancing... with swords! Beverley Minster Norman font in Beverley Minster
Who let the Ringwraiths in? One of a band... C18 giant hamster wheel! Gatehouse in Beverley


Today, I visited Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, which I'm ashamed to say I've never been to before, despite living in Sheffield for... *cough* some years. They're in the middle of a refurbishment (including fixing the dam, so the reservoir was drained), so it wasn't at it's best, but still a fascinating bit of local history with a fair amount to see. I'll have to go back again some time.

Triphammer wheel at the entrance to Abbeydale The only in-situ original steam engine in Sheffield Crucible furnace Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet