Straker's PassagePhotographed in January 2004 |
An interesting alleyway between Fossgate and Garden Place. I don't know anything about "Straker", or why he/she has a passage named after him/her, or if indeed a "straker" was some kind of profession or interest. It could be something rude, indeed. [See updated info, below] |
Rather impressive lamp to light our way. Though it might not actually work. As it's daylight, I've no idea. Was advised not to visit here at night (!), so I won't find out, I guess. The photos above are the journey along Straker's Passage from the Garden Place end to its Fossgate entrance. Photos of the other direction – Fossgate entrance to Garden Place, appear below. (A combination of photos from two visits, hence the obviously rain-soaked paving in some photos and not in others.) |
I know it's not beautiful, particularly with the graffiti, but it's real, it's full of character, and I love it. I imagine when they redevelop nearby Hungate and fill it full of desirable housing, they'll come along here and tidy it up. As you approach the end of Straker's Passage the large 1950s-built telephone exchange is straight ahead. It forms a striking contrast with the narrow and enclosed alleyway, as its wall of windows looms above you, reflecting the sky. |
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Alongside the graffiti-covered walls, decorated by humans, I noticed this wall, decorated by nature. Hart's Tongue Ferns and other tough little plants provide a cheery bit of unexpected greenery on a cold January day. |
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Related pages: more Narrow lanes and snickelways (York Walks /3) Update – March 2011Thanks to John who emailed to say "Ref Straker's Passage, York – I believe it to be named after the family Straker who lived close by and had various businesses in the location. My great, great, great grandfather William Straker the baker being one." |