Myths abound about the medieval period, and some of them seem logical enough…yet they turn out to be untrue. One such is that spiral/newel staircases were built to be advantageous to those who use their right hand. So, as the majority of the human race is right-handed, this seemed a good, sensible idea. Yes?… Continue reading Did medieval spiral staircases swing to the left or right….?
Tag: buildings
Richard III sold Northwich to the Stanleys….
On 17th September 1483, Richard III sold the manor and village of Northwich, Cheshire, to the Stanleys. Did that grasping family do some good for once? Or did Northwich wish Richard had kept it? Who knows. The Stanleys were certainly expert at acquiring property and then hanging on to it—Northwich remained theirs until the late… Continue reading Richard III sold Northwich to the Stanleys….
Collecting tolls on the Ouse at York….
How did the citizens of York collect tolls from vessels on the River Ouse? They had a great big chain across the river, between two guardian towers, the Barker Tower and the Lendal Tower on the opposite bank. Simple, but effective. “This river-side tower was built in the 14th century. It was positioned at the… Continue reading Collecting tolls on the Ouse at York….
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