Pride Of York

Contrary to popular belief, York isn't just a quaint old City resting on its historical laurels...

Not so long ago, it had a fierce pride in its manufacturing industries. Chocolate was one of course - along with the legacy of intense social justice in the city promoted by factory owners Rowntree and Terry respectively.

As important was the thriving rail manufacturing industry. When you next step on the tube, take note of the metal engravings on the step which show where the carriages were made...

Locomotives and especially carriages were made in York for many years. J's grandfather was a cabinet-maker at the carriage works in the 1920s.

Now? The carriage works closed in the 1990s. All that's left is this piece from the plant, set up as a monument where the manufacturing used to take place...

To give you an idea, it's (oops - correction!) seven metres tall. You can almost see the blood, sweat and tears of the workers on the face of it...