Saturday, 27 November 2010

University of Lincoln, Hull


The question why there is a University of Lincoln in Hull need not detain you as the place is closing in a year or two leaving an large empty building in the centre of town. You can't have too many empty office blocks.

Friday, 26 November 2010

Thursday, 25 November 2010

Syntan

The Syntan was built in 1949 to carry coal and raw materials to the tanneries of Beverley. This ended in 1970 and the ship lay idle for nearly 20 years until restored and made into a working exhibition on Beverley Beck. You can hire the Syntan for trips down the river Hull and onto the Humber. You're thinking there's got to be a website about this somewhere and it's here.

Syntan is "a contraction of "synthetic tannins," which are chemicals that combine with, or affect, the protein constituents of hides and skins and produce a product that is flexible, porous, and has the desirable qualities of leather"  says this site. So now you know as much as me.

Wednesday, 24 November 2010

Nixie Plonks

Strange name for a shop, Nixie Plonks, . The story goes that when the owner was a little girl she would pester her father for sweets and treats; and his response was always "I've got nixie plonk for you". The shop is on Queen Street and sells all kinds of bit and bobs and as the sign says the prices are right.

Tuesday, 23 November 2010

The Bayle, Bridlington

The Bayle is the former gatehouse to the Augustinian priory I posted yesterday. It was built in the 12th century. In olden times a religious institution had other functions as the priory was given the right to crenellate its walls, that is to make them into defensible walls. Today, however,  the Bayle is a Grade I listed Building and scheduled Ancient Monument.
There's museum in the building which has a website here

Monday, 22 November 2010

Bridlington Priory

 
It's a fair bet that 99% of the thousands who flock to Bridlington for the seaside fun have no idea that just up the road from the beach and the bright lights sits this imposing mediaeval edifice. This 12th century priory pretty much owned most of East Yorkshire at one time.The Dissolution of the Monasteries was bad news with most of the buildings being demolished, some to build the harbour piers. You can read more here and there are more pictures here. I couldn't get inside to take pictures as there was a service going on.
Why are the towers different? Your guess is as good as mine.

Sunday, 21 November 2010

Boat Lift

This odd looking device is a boat lift used for cleaning and repairing  fishing boats.