Comments on: Bootham Park, the ‘Gala Field’, and the council’s survey

By: George Rymer

George Rymer — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 18:53:27 +0000

12th September 1945 The council gave complimentary dinner to the
“ Big Top Staff/Helpers” ,my mother being one of these, at the City Arms Hotel. I still have program signed by Lord Mayor and various attendees at this dinner, Program does have photograph of big top ,but 85 years old it’s a little faded.

By: Angela Burt

Angela Burt — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 23:57:33 +0000

On the arial photo of the Bootham park area, the site of the later football ground, marked B, seems to have the faint markings of previous buildings or constructions. Does anyone have any idea what they were? I have heard that that site was considered as one of the possible sites the Roman arena or amphitheatre… tho those markings don’t look like an arena! And personally I am in favour of the Kings Manor/ Philosophical society area for that… But no chance of any excavations in either of those areas now, unless football suddenly goes out of favour.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 14:04:51 +0000

Photos of the many uses of bootham meadowcs,very evocative ,but my vivid memory is at the end of World War Two,while the joy bells were still ringing,and the population wildly celebrating,york corporation erected a large big top bell tent,and laid polished floor boards,and hired all the local dance bands on a daily basis,for ballroom dancing,while still at its wartime peak.It was crowded every afternoon and night with people in and out of uniform,celebrating and letting their hair down.Have never seen any photos of that occasion,which lasted for several weeks,and was a most memorable and joyous use of that facility,

By: Helen Harrison

Helen Harrison — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 09:34:38 +0000

In 1988, when he worked with the York Oral History Project, my husband took part as photographer in a recreation of one of the galas on Bootham Park. It took place that summer and was called the Edwardian Fair. It was a big event, with lots of people in period dress and a lovely carousel. Unfortunately we haven’t got any photos as he was taking pictures for other people; developing them in sepia and sending them out afterwards. Does anyone else remember this fair? I think it only took place the once.