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This market town is situated to the north of the Humber Bridge in
a rural area on the edge of the Yorkshire wolds, and it has over 1300
years of history in its outstanding buildings and architecture. The
town of Beverley has a varied mix of building types and ages, and
there are around 800 listed buildings in the area of which above half
of them are within the town. There are narrow medieval streets with
descriptive names tell a lot about the towns history and its musical
traditions. The antique shops and craft arcades and the buildings range
from Georgian terraces to some of the best ecclesiastical architecture
in Europe. |
If you require to see on a map where Beverley is situated in relation
to the Humber Bridge and the surrounding area then click on the thumbnail
map and it will enable you to see a larger map.. |
| Beverley Minster is the finest
non cathedral church in England after Westminster abbey and is one
of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, it was founded
in 700 AD but the present building only dates back to 1220 AD as it
was burnt down in a fire around 1188 AD. It has within it the world's
largest collection of stone carvings depicting musicians playing medieval
instruments. There is also the Percy Tomb, a masterpiece of European
medieval art. |
To the north of the town is St Mary's parish church, built in 1120
AD, it has some outstanding items in the church, there is the decorated
ceiling depicting the Kings of England, the brightly painted Minstrel
Pillar, a reminder of Beverley's musical traditions. You can also
find a carving of a white rabbit, said to have inspired the March
Hare in Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland'.
The North Bar, is the oldest surviving brick built bar in England
and is the only remaining town gate of 4 which guarded the towns main
entrances during medieval times. It was built in 1409/10 by the town
council for the sum of about £96 |
| One of the ancient rights that Beverley had, was that of Sanctuary,
given to them in 939 AD by the Saxon King, Athelstan and used until
1540. The fugitives on the run were, as soon as they entered the town,
given 30 days free food and shelter, and during this time the clergy
would try to get forgiveness and a pardon for them. The rights were
briefly used again when King Charles 1st was refused entry into Hull
prior to the Civil War, which ended his reign. |
North Bar.
This medieval gateway was rebuilt in brick in 1409/10 AD |
Market Cross.
One has stood in Saturday Market for hundreds of years and the present
monument is 280 years old and bears the arms of Queen Anne. |
| Beverley Westwood is the open pasture land on the outskirts
of the town and is a fabulous green belt with it's unusual bylaws.
Located in the centre of the westwood is the Racecourse which holds
up to 18 flat race meetings a year and other events include veteran
vehicle rallies, steam engine meets, agricultural shows, craft and
country fairs and of course equestrian competitions. |
A view across the Westwood towards Beverley with St. Mary's church in the background |
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