Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

110 ANCIENT AND
Castle, and the river winding in its course to join the
mighty Humber ; and on the other side the majestic west
front of the Minister, the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey, the
Roman multangular tower, the classical Museum of the
Yorkshire Philosophical Society, and the ancient Guild
Hall that rises from the river's edge. "What a lovely
walk (remarks one whose genius adds honour even to his
native city ;*) it used to be from Micklegate Bar, along the
walls, to North-street Postern ;—ancient fortifications, grey
battlements, verdant fields, and smiling gardens one either
hand, finished in grand perspective, by our noble Cathedral
in one of its finest points of view." The gentleman to
whom we allude has expressed strong opinions against the
admittance of railways within the walls ; but the commer
cial advantages of railroad communication between York
and the principal cities and towns of England and Scotland,
are too important to the citizens, and too closely connected
with the rising prosperity ofYork, to justify their exclusion.
No contrast can be finer than the busy railroad,—the
wonderous offspring of the nineteenth century, and the
stately antique ramparts ! The edifice which forms the
railway station within the walls, is a decided ornament to
the city, and the regret occasioned by the formation of an
arch in the walls, is more than counterbalanced by the
pleasure of seeing a well-filled train of carriages from Lon
don pass through it, as if by magic, and land its passengers
in the heart of the town. In the Year 1831, a new arch
way was erected at the bottom of Baile-hill, near to the
spot where Skeldergate Postern formerly stood ; through
which archway there was formed an improved road to the
city jaol. The arms of the city of York, are placed above
the arch, with the following inscription beneath them;
" these walls were restored by public subscription a.d.
1831, in the third mayorality of the right honourable
Lord Dundas."
» William Etty. E.A.