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Beverley Minster
Beverley Minster is not only one of the most significant landmarks
in the area, but also one of the finest gothic churches in the country.
John, bishop of York and later canonised, founded the original monastery
c. 718 on the site now occupied by the Minster. Construction of
the building began in 1220 and continued until 1425, with later
centuries adding further elements. A team of masons and skilled
craftsmen are still employed to upkeep maintenance and manage repairs.
In the middle ages it became a significant place of pilgrimage and
sanctuary and continues to be visited by thousands of people from
all corners of the world. However, it is also a living parish church
and very much at the heart of the community. Whether you are just
visiting Beverley for the day or are a longstanding resident, Beverley
Minster offers something  for
everyone, from architectural splendour to spiritual comfort.
Beverley Beck
Once a thriving hub of industry, over the years Beverley Beck became
run down and neglected. Over recent years the area has been part
of a major regeneration scheme and the waterway now hosts a thriving
residential community. It is also a perfect place for leisurely
walks, fishing and family days out. As you wander along the ancient
Beck towards the River Hull, the countryside unfolds around you
and a variety of boats are moored by the lock. Beverley Beck is
also the home of the Beverley Barge Preservation Society and in
particular the Syntan. This once derelict barge has been lovingly
restored and is now a floating community centre for meetings, festivals,
parties and events. The Beck area also has several family-friendly
pubs that cater for all ages, with good food, fine ale and friendly
faces.
 Beverley
Westwood
As common pastureland for all residents and visitors to enjoy, the
Westwood is the perfect place for family picnics, dog walking, kite
flying and taking in the country air. Watching over it all is the
imposing Black Mill and at the furthest corner, Burton Bushes, an
ancient oak forest, carpeted with wild flowers. Across the York
Road, on the site known as the Hurn, stands Beverley Racecourse.
In recent years this has developed considerably and Beverley is
now seen as a major player in the horse racing calendar. Don't forget
that the Westwood isn't the only common land in Beverley. To the
north east of the town is the wide and open Swinemoor and further
south stands Figham Pasture. Managed by the Pasture Masters, that
ancient line of freemen who act as guardians to these areas, the
common pastures of Beverley are truly part of England's green and
pleasant land.
The Treasure House
The practical purpose of the Treasure House is to provide a home
for the ancient records and documents from not just Beverley but
also the East Riding of Yorkshire. Enthusiasts for East Riding history,
can access under one roof a wide r ange
of locally relevant archive, library, art gallery and museum material.
The Treasure House’s state-of-the-art stores hold the collections
of the East Riding Archives, Beverley Local Studies Library, Beverley
Art Gallery, Beverley Guildhall and the archaeology of the East
Riding Museum Service. From the tower there is an impressive panorama
of the town. Whilst the architectural design may not suite all tastes,
the services the Treasure House provides are ultimately very beneficial
to the town.
Beverley Friary
As the only youth hostel in the county, Beverley Friary is something
of a hidden gem. Extensively restored in the 1980s, it is the last
remaining example of a Dominican Friary in the region. With a plethora
of original features, such as medieval interior paintings and murals,
the building is one of considerable cultural heritage. It is now
an active and thriving youth hostel, open to everyone each summer
weekend, Bank Holidays and other days. Set within a beautiful garden,
staff and volunteers welcome all visitors who would like to look
around the building and there is a room available for meetings,
musical events, talks and readings.
Saturday Market Place
At the heart of the town centre sits Saturday Market Place. For
centuries stall holders have traded their wares within sight of
the impressive Beverley Market Cross. On a Saturday the area comes
into its own with the hustle and bustle of market traders selling
everything from fresh fruit and locally produced sausages, to summer
hats and handmade jewellery. At other time s
of the year special events also occur in the Market Place, including
the Beverley Food Festival, Festival of Christmas and classic car
displays. As a natural epicentre for the town there are a many shops,
banks, pubs and cafes in and around the Market Place and from it
stretches the pedestrian shopping thoroughfare of Toll Gavel, leading
to Butcher Row and then ultimately the smaller but equally important
Wednesday Market Place. In the opposite direction more shops can
be found along North Bar Within, as can St Mary’s Church.
Different to the Minster yet also a building of great history and
beauty, it is here you can find a stone carving of a white rabbit
that inspired Charles Lutwidge Dodgson when he wrote “Alice’s
Adventures in Wonderland” under the pseudonym of Lewis Carroll.
Further along at the head of the street stands North Bar itself,
the last remaining gated entrance to the town.
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Foreword
