York walks: 2004

This footpath is what we in Yorkshire would call a "snicket". It has long been established as a public footpath. It is one of a network of paths running through Clifton, several of which pass through the grounds of St Peter's School. The footpath goes from the street called Clifton, towards the riverside area, through the middle of a rather handsome school building, pictured right. It then joins another footpath, also an ancient right of way. (See Clifton footpaths – part 2.)

The buildings of St Peter's School look much older than they are. The medieval-looking stone building on Clifton was built in the middle of the 19th century, while this red-brick one was built in the early 20th century.

The school applied for a closure order in the summer of 2004. After a public inquiry the closure order was approved, despite protests from York residents.

In requesting the closure of this right of way, the school was taking advantage of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which allows schools to request the closure of such public routes to protect pupils and staff from criminal acts.

It is a matter of concern if the school has been experiencing problems with criminal activity. But then so have the rest of us, and residents who objected suggested that closing public footpaths isn't the answer.

St Peter's School governors were concerned about anti-social behaviour. Anti-social elements exist within the school too – as emails received by this webmaster showed, during the campaigns against the closure.

On the corner where this footpath meets another (see Clifton footpaths – part 2), there's a stone, just inside the hedge, carved with the words "Rawdon's Boundary". I'm afraid I can't tell you who Rawdon was, and why his/her boundary is marked here. I must have walked past it many times over the years, unaware of its existence. Thanks to Tom for finding the stone, hidden in its corner behind the hedge.

Related pages:

See Clifton footpaths – part 2, and Bits of Clifton.