History Society

Caucasian Chalk Circle.

The producers wish to thank all those who, while not mentioned in the programme, have given their assistance.

This term there have been no meetings but the Society has taken the opportunity to visit various places of historical interest near York.

On Thursday, 15th May, 15 members of the Society visited the Archbishop's Palace at Bishopthorpe. We were shown round by Mr. Blunt, Lay Chaplain to the Archbishop, and formerly a master in the Junior School. There we visited the chapel and the portrait gallery where the famous portraits of Wolsey and Archbishop Lang can be seen. Later we went round the pleasant garden with its "punchable" trees.

On Wednesday, 28th May, we visited Castle Howard and spent a very pleasant afternoon there. We looked round many of the extensive rooms designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, and the famous bedroom which Queen Victoria used when she stayed at the house. We also saw many excellent and well-known paintings of which the most famous were the Earl of Norfolk and Henry VIII, by Holbein, and Van Dyke's painting of Charles I and his son, James II.

On 30th May a small group visited the Minster Library. We first inspected several manuscripts and interesting records of York Festivals of the last century. Then Mr. C. Barr, the Librarian, gave us a talk on the history of the Library, and made some remarks on the books and their bindings.

To those who have given up their time for our benefit to willingly, we offer our thanks. J.R.Y.