Susan Major

Thanks we might add that in!

Our latest blogpost features the changing fortunes of Micklegate House in York. Built by the #Bourchier family, visited by #AnneLister, painted by #MaryEllenBest, then became a chemical factory. Later housed first @uoylibrary.bsky.social @balhnews.bsky.social @yorkfhs.bsky.social shorturl.at/0Pwpm

The Leeds Brewery beer is good, and the food too. The table upstairs at the front has a fine view of the Minster. And there's a lovely large 1910 map of York downstairs.

One of our go to places for a drink and a meal.

Jon Kenny talking about DNA and archaeology

Jon Kenny telling us about DNA and archaeology @yorkfhs.bsky.social.

Just added “nape” to my list, originally a #Top10, of Words Used Only With One Other Word

Analysis: UK newspaper editorial opposition to climate action overtakes support for first time - Carbon Brief Nearly 100 UK newspaper editorials opposed climate action in 2025, a record figure that reveals the backlash against net-zero in the right-leaning press

Two things to learn from this.
1. The rightwing newspapers are lobby groups whose purpose is to advance the class interest of their proprietors.
2. Lobbyists for the rich and powerful lose their jobs if they are not prepared to lie.
www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-uk-...

Moving story of York horse Dobbin who pulled the tram up Micklegate every day! Susan Major of the Clements Hall Local History Group in York looks at how we once travelled up and down Micklegate - and the horses that helped

www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/2578625...

In Somerset, I found glorious proof that the UK can build great council houses. So what is holding us back? | John Harris It was life-affirming to meet the residents of Rainbow Way in Minehead. But so much still stands in the way of Labour’s vision for social housing, says Guardian columnist John Harris

“If you invest in council homes, you save massive amounts on the housing benefit bill...You make savings on people’s health because people are living in homes that are warm, safe and dry. You provide space for children to do their homework.”

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Flyer about Clementhorpe event on 8 February

Do you live in the #Clementhorpe area of #York? Have you ever wondered about the history of your house in the area? Would you like to explore it through time, and find out who was living there? See www.clementshallhistorygroup.org.uk/blog/local-h... for free event coming up on 8 February.

Nasmyth ‘Raeburnised’? Henry Raeburn’s portrait of Robert Burns | National Galleries of Scotland The National Galleries of Scotland cares for, develops, researches and displays the national collection of Scottish and international art.

www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-arti...

Some breaking art historical news for you - a lost portrait of Robert Burns by Sir Henry Raeburn was unveiled today at the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh. It’s been missing for more than 200 years.
1/3

Thanks to @deadsleuth.com who included it in the Bishophill walk with details of some of the inmates who stayed here.
19 Bishophill Senior, Bishophill, York is an early 18th century house with a 19th century extension & 20th century modernisation. With a front of pink orange in Flemish bond with /1

Blossom St in York, with carriages

A reminder about our next talk at Clements Hall #York this Friday 23 Jan, “Blossom Street through Time”. Susan Major explains its historic significance over many centuries, scene of tragic events, and highlights buildings, significant residents and some modern traders. Details at shorturl.at/4NNkO

Tactless of them not to award it to Trump rn since he is actually doing a lot for European unification.

Men who look upon themselves born to reign, and others to obey, soon grow insolent; selected from the rest of mankind their minds are early poisoned by importance; and the world they act in differs so materially from the world at large, that they have but little opportunity of knowing its true interests, and when they succeed to the government are frequently the most ignorant and unfit of any throughout the dominions.

Common Sense, published 250 years ago today.

Elon Musk’s Useful British Idiots The far-right billionaire continues to be protected by British politicians and commentators, even as his X platform pumps indecent images of children into our news feeds

If pumping indecent images of children into our news feeds, isn’t enough to force the Government to finally take action against Musk then nothing ever will be.

New post on how Musks useful British idiots are trying desperately to stop the Government from acting
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/elon-musks...

Blossom st looking towards Micklegate Bar

Blossom St today looking west, with the Bar Convent on the left.

Our next event is @suemajor.bsky.social talking about Blossom Street through time, on 23 Jan 2026, details at shorturl.at/5Aci8. One of York’s early suburbs, historically the important route into the city, it has interesting modern elements such as the old Forsselius Garage and the Odeon Cinema.

Four in each one!

2.3K views · 11 shares | Britain’s Favourite Railway Stations with Si King starts Thursday 8 Jan, 9pm on More4. Discover the history, design, and hidden stories behind Britain’s most iconic stations. ... Britain’s Favourite Railway Stations with Si King starts Thursday 8 Jan, 9pm on More4. Discover the history, design, and hidden stories behind Britain’s most iconic stations. Miss it? Watch on...

There's a new series about #railwaystations starts tomorrow night on #More4, with Si King. #YorkStation features in the first programme.

www.facebook.com/reel/2536617...

Xhaka Sunderland AFC

Thanks Sunderland AFC Banter!

I read all the studies on the economic impact of bike lanes. Here's what I learned. Research proves that bike lanes are good for business. So why do so many stores and restaurants still oppose them?

“Survey after survey has shown that business owners overestimate how many customers drive to their stores vs walking or biking. In a 2012 Los Angeles study, more than half of the store owners on the bike-laned part of the boulevard thought most of their customers drove. The actual number was 15%.”

Phil Smith's Sunderland player ratings vs Man City as flawless pair shine and land 9s Sunderland were in action against Man City at the Stadium of Light

The ratings from the SoL.

Thought Mukiele and Alderete superb, and a massive night for Dennis Cirkin

#SAFC

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

Britain's Favourite Railway Stations Si King explores the spaces that take us beyond catching a train where hidden worlds merge

New TV programme about #railwaystations starts this Thursday on #More4. First one features York, when I'll have a few words to say. www.channel4.com/programmes/b...

"I think 80-90% of the country just want to get on with their lives, be friendly with their neighbours They don't look at people of different religions, skin colours, beliefs, traits, and think badly of them. I think we're divided deliberately to distract" - Gary Lineker

2026, the year of hope.

I had a go at explaining it here (though its my interpretation rather than reporting).

samf.substack.com/p/identity-c...

10 years on, is York's Bishopthorpe Road still UK's best high street? Traders on Bishopthorpe Road say focus on pedestrians, events and independent businesses drives footfall.

Our local shops!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

How to Spot AI Hallucinations Like a Reference Librarian The verification tricks that would make fact-checkers weep with joy.

cardcatalogforlife.substack.com/p/how-to-spo...

All hail the reference librarian!

Closing out my year with a journal editor shocker 🧵

Checking new manuscripts today I reviewed a paper attributing 2 papers to me I did not write. A daft thing for an author to do of course. But intrigued I web searched up one of the titles and that's when it got real weird...

RT @SunderlandAFC: I CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU ❤️‍🔥