Original ghostly artwork by resident artist Mark Braithwaite. Part of his ‘Beneath The Sheets’ series which combine mysterious ghostly characters with a little bit of York history. Mark has created his pieces using artwork ink and watercolour wash with mixed media overlay.
This original artwork has been double mounted and framed in a rich gold Victorian style distressed ornate frame.
Approximate measurements:
Image size: 30x21cm
Framed size:56x45cm
Below is an excerpt from the Diary of Professor Matthias Jeremiah Braithwaite; a Victorian investigator of the paranormal, on his travels around York, a city most haunted.
"Dear Diary,
The fortifications surrounding the ancient city of York, the city walls, had declined into almost ruins half a century ago, some hereabouts had put forward the notion of demolishing the more derelict parts of the walls as they perceived the walls were a hindrance to transportation routes and everyday life within the city and a general eyesore.
Throughout the history of the city defenders patrolled the walls, archers, crossbowmen and later gunners fended of rebels of all kinds. Even stones thrown from the walls and boiling pitch were used to repel invaders trying to gain entry to the city bent on mischief. Scotts often were oft the perceived threat, but the Jacobite’s menace has faded into history.
With the ardent support of the local gentry, Mr William Etty the artist being one of the leading exponents, a committee was formed with a contrary notion and using their considerable power and influence put forward a proposition to restore the walls to and beyond its former glory and perhaps further allowing pleasant area for one to stroll. They formulated a lengthy restoration programme so a public walkway could be formed for all to share the magnificent views and scenery the walls provide.
Robin hoods tower, once known as the Frost Tower, perhaps due to its northern facing exposer. Situated at the corner of Lord Mayors Walk (formally Goose Lane) and Gillygate. Which for me is a mear 2 minutes walk from my city residence off Gillygate, “Hereafter” my city dwelling, is built on the paupers graveyard which once accompanied the now demolished St Giles church nearby. Work began to revitalise this derelict gun emplacement in 1888. The tower provided a beautiful seating area above for taking in the breathtaking view of the minster it offered. Below a sheltered spot for young courting couples came about by pure happenstance.
This is where our story takes a darker vain, it is those aforementioned lovers who have been tormented by the dangerous spirit I had previously encountered at monk bar “Douglas”. Parts of the newly constructed tower have been falling down around and near the courting couples below. My reason for suspision is down to the superb craftsmanship offered by the city’s world renown stonemasons could not produce such poor workmanship. My faith in the York stonemasons was indeed proven when I visited the battlements in daylight to see sabotage, broken flags and masonry laid around.
Low and behold when I waited to spy upon the battlements to see what was afoot, “Douglas” the Scottish spirit, who causing trouble near Monk Bar could be spied in the moonlight, seemingly beating the walls to loosen them. However my investigations were cut short as I pointed my clockwork lantern in the direction of the tower, angry voices could be heard. It would seem that my investigation were misinterpreted by some of the young couples and they believed it was they who were the subject of my interest and not the ghost above. I made a swift departure to my city dwelling to avoid any further confusion.
It is my suspicion is that Douglas was one of the scoundrels or jackobites, struck by a bolt from a crossbow at this very site. Perhapse was left or buried where he fell at the foot of the tower. The recent earthworks disturbing his peace in the afterlife and causing his vengeful exploits."
© Mark Braithwaite
