From Bird Conservation to Medieval Ruins: A Reflective Afternoon at Yorkshire Museum

A Serendipitous Stroll through History and Nature

Greetings everyone!

It was a perfect afternoon, the kind of day that made me want to step outside and breathe in the cool, crisp air. So, I decided to visit the Yorkshire Museum, not knowing that such a simple choice would lead to an unexpectedly fulfilling experience. 

The weather was just right — cool and refreshing — and as I wandered through the grounds, I stumbled upon something that caught my attention: a green campaign set up by the worldwide RSPB team. 

The banners and displays promoted the conservation of birds, urging visitors to take part in protecting the delicate balance of birdlife in nature. It was truly inspiring to see how a global effort could connect so many people in preserving the environment.

After enjoying the campaign, I continued my walk through the peaceful museum gardens. The air felt so fresh, and the atmosphere was exactly what I needed for a relaxing afternoon. As I strolled, I came across the Hospitium, a stunning medieval building that stood as a remnant of St. Mary’s Abbey. This was a place where guests, like merchants who couldn’t stay with the monks, would have found shelter in centuries past. The history of it all was incredibly fascinating.

Did you know? St. Mary’s Abbey, founded in the 11th century, was once one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. Its influence was vast, but it met a tragic end during the reign of King Henry VIII. In the 16th century, during the English Reformation, Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries, and St. Mary’s Abbey was dismantled. The monks were driven out, and the abbey’s grandeur was reduced to the ruins that still stand today.

As I stood there, surrounded by the remnants of such a storied past, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much history this place held — from the conservation efforts for birds that I had just seen to the centuries of change that had shaped this very land. It was a beautiful moment, one where I felt deeply connected to both nature and history. I, Sofonie Dala, a proud Chevening scholar in the UK, couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the afternoon.

My journey on the day ended with a magical walk on the fantastic medieval York city walls. It was an incredible adventure to appreciate the entire city from atop the walls, with York Minster standing tall behind me — a sight that will stay with me forever.

Gallery