In Search of Medieval Britain

Episode 1

North

Dr Alixe Bovey journeys north beginning at York, stopping off at the medieval street, 'Shambles', which was used mainly by butchers and traders working with other parts of butchered animals. York became the leading centre of stained glass-making thanks to the techniques used in building York Minster cathedral with its magnificent stained glass windows. The next stop is the Yorkshire Dales, and a visit to the once wealthy Fountains Abbey, the biggest and best preserved in the county, and then on to Durham Cathedral, a difficult if not near impossible journey in medieval times. The lands north of Durham were unknown terrain, and also a hotly contested border between Scotland and England, the border changing hands several times over the years along with nearby Norham castle, and the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.