The last time I visited York Castle Museum was on a school trip.

I was probably only a few years older than my daughter Katy, five, yet re-tracing my steps along the cobbled Victorian street, Kirkgate, where a life-like horse poses with its carriage, it feels like yesterday.

Flanked by the imposing Clifford’s Tower, the museum transports visitors through time in a fun and educational journey.

For youngsters who have grown up with gadgets and the latest technology, walking along cobbled streets dimly lit by carriage lamps gives them an atmospheric peep into the past when you didn’t just flick a switch for instant electricity.

About 400 years of social history is encapsulated under one roof where visitors can experience what life was like in bygone times.

Atmospheric sounds from Victorian banter to bird-song play out as you step back in time and meet some of the characters. You can chat to the authentically-dressed people about their trade and marvel at the window displays like the jars of spice at Terry’s sweet shop – named after York’s famous chocolate manufacturer – and the medicinal concoctions in Kendall’s chemists.

A wooden cart stacked with papers was pertinent for me as a reminder of just how important newspapers were in the past and continue to be today.

Mingling among the traditional businesses and occupations is the Fire Establishment where horsepower came on four legs before the invention of engines.

Katy eyed up the beautiful rocking horse and dolls’ houses in the toy shop where you can meet the toymaker and see the traditional bats and racquets which have entertained youngsters through the eras.

Educationally, classrooms have significantly changed too. Stepping over the threshold into the Victorian classroom you see neat rows of desks with ink wells. On these very desks quills will once have copied the teacher’s blackboard jottings – fascinating when you consider how technology has replaced chalk with pens and blackboards for whiteboards!

Look up at the windows as you leave the street – those were the days when folk literally lived above the shop.

Our fascinating journey continued around rooms furnished to represent subsequent eras. I mused at the retro kitchen – the unit doors almost identical to those in my grandparents’ kitchen – and the tinned goods in the cupboards which I recognised from our kitchen when I was a child.

The sight of washday contraptions such as plungers and washboards perplexed Katy. For youngsters growing up with washing machines, dishwashers and other time-saving gadgets, it’s hard to comprehend just how hard our ancestors had to work, and not just in the workplace.

Floors were scrubbed not vacuumed; early ranges and stoves powered by wood and coal had to be prepared before you could cook a feast.

The convenience of cookers and microwaves has come along since, so for youngsters learning how people lived in past times is an educational as well as an enjoyable experience.

They say things come round again and that can certainly be said for fashion. You can see how styles have been echoed in the bridal gowns showcased in cabinets in the Cradle to the Grave exhibition.

A Victorian wedding cake and coffin biscuits give visitors an insight into the food consumed on such occasions.

Chinese treasures, marvellous miniatures from tin soldiers to jewellery, textiles and crafts, armour and weapons are showcased in the extensive collections which have been awarded ‘designated status’ for their national and international importance.

Katy and her dad loved handling the ancient swords and learning all about the battles in which they’d been used.

Stepping back to the Swinging Sixties we strolled along a street charting the music and memorabilia from an era when everything was vibrant and bold, from the fashions to the retro chic in the home.

Before heading home we passed by York Castle Prison, created within the museum, which is housed in 18th century prison buildings.

Here visitors can see the original cells and find out what life was like for the inmates, including the legendary highwayman Dick Turpin!

With so much to see and do it’s difficult cramming it all in on one visit, which is why we will be returning soon for some more time travelling!

Factfile:
* York Castle Museum is in the Eye of York, York.
* Tickets are £8.50 for adults and £7.50 for concessions and are valid for 12 months.


* There is free entry for children under 16 with one paying adult, but the offer does not apply to organised groups. For information on group rates call (01904) 650333.


* For more information about the museum, call (01904) 687687; e-mail castle. museum@ymt.org.uk or visit yorkcastle museum.org.uk.