York Museum Gardens
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The York Museum Gardens are part of the Yorkshire Museum and lie on the banks of the River Ouse in York, England. The gardens cover an area of ten acres within the centre of the city, and are just outside the city walls. They include such buildings as the Multangular Tower, the ruins of St Mary's Abbey (whose walls still enclose the gardens on two sides), and the Hospitium. They are a popular attraction for tourists and residents alike, and are often used for relaxation during the Summer. Entrances to the gardens are on Museum Street at the junction of Lendal Bridge; at the side of King's Manor; Marygate (off Bootham); and from the riverside walk.
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[edit] The Multangular Tower
The Multangular Tower was originally the corner of a Roman fortress, and consists of both Roman and Medieval architecture. The tower has ten sides (hence the name "multangular"). It was first built during the reign of Emperor Severus who visited York between 209 and 211.
[edit] The Ruins of St Mary's Abbey
St Mary's Abbey was originally a Benedictine Abbey, and was the wealthiest and most powerful Abbey in the North of England. The Abbey has origins dating back to 1086 when Alan Count of Brittany, granted St Olave's Church and the adjoining land to Abbot Stephen.
St Mary's Abbey (Main Article)
[edit] Hospitium
The Hospitium is thought to have been a guest house for visitors to St Mary's Abbey. The oldest parts of the ground floor date back to the 14th Century. The upper story has been restored in modern times and the ruined gateway dates back to the 15th Century. The gateway was probably the entrance to a passage that ran down towards the river.
[edit] St Mary's Lodge
St Mary's Lodge was also probably used as a guest house, and was built around 1470. The whole building is constructed from stone, and doesn't contain timber framing like the Hospitium.
[edit] The Yorkshire Museum
The Yorkshire Museum was commissioned by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society to house their geological and archaeological collections. The building was designed by architect William Wilkins in the style of the Greek Revival and was officially opened in February 1830. This date makes it one of the longest established museums in the country.
[edit] The Observatory
The octangonal observatory was built between 1832 to 1833. It is alleged to have been designed by John Smeaton who also designed the Eddystone Lighthouse. The 4.5 inch telescope was originally built by Thomas Cooke of York in 1850. It was finally installed in 1981 when the observatory was restored.
[edit] Manor Cottage
The cottage was built from the limestone of the ruins of St Mary's Abbey. It was completed in 1844.
[edit] Museum Gardens' Lodge
Situated at the eastern entrance to the gardens, the lodge is an example of the Victorian Gothic revival, and was built in 1874. It currently houses the offices for the Yorkshire Philosophical Society. The lodge was designed by G. F. Jones.
[edit] Tempest Anderson Hall
The Tempest Anderson Hall was buily on the grounds of the Yorkshire Museum in 1912, and is an early example of the use of reinforced concrete.
