St
Mary's church used to be very important, and very large. The two pillars
of stone show where the end of quire used to be, so originally it was almost
double it's current length.
 |
| The grave of Anne Bronte is close
to St Mary's Church. |
During the civil war parliamentarians used a cannon to
attack the castle from the grounds of the church. The cannon used was
the largest in Northern Europe and a few months later the end of the church
collapsed, taking the tower with it.
Afterwards Scarborough wasn't as prosperous as it had
been, so the tower was repaired but there wasn't enough money to rebuild
the quire.
Graveyards are often good places to spot wildlife, and
in winter the area around St Mary's is home to plenty of migrant birds
such as: Firecrest, Siberian Chiffchaff, Scarlet Rose Finch and maybe
Rose Coloured Starlings.
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| Ivyleaf Toadflax |
There are plenty of trees, shrubs and evergreen bushes
in the area to provide shelter and places for wintering birds like Robins
and Wrens to roost.
Across the road, on the wall bordering the second half
of the graveyard, another naturalized vagrant plant can be seen.
Originally from the Mediterranean, Ivy leaf toadflax
is found on most walls in the town. It's named after the appearance of
the flowers which are said to resemble toads.
Accessible route
From here the route takes you up to the castle headland and along a path
in front of the castle wall. This path is not suitable for wheelchairs
and buggies. To bypass the castle, retrace your steps along Paradise and
head to the end of Castlegate. Before the end of Castlegate turn left
onto Castle Terrace, then right onto Burr Bank. Next on your left will
be Quay Street where you should see the Three Mariners Inn.
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