York's King’s Square has been a popular pitch for street performers for more than 40 years and it has been reckoned the space, near the historic Shambles, see upwards of a quarter of a million people a year captivated by those going through their routines.
Visiting York this week in the spring sunshine, I couldn't help but notice that some of the flag stones beneath where I was standing were, in fact grave memorial stones.
Intrigued, I have since learned that originally the space had been the churchyard north of Holy Trinity Church, which until 1937, had occupied the site, After it was demolished, around 19 headstones were reused as paving stones.
Passing through King's Square, I watched as quite a crowd were gathered, looking on as this street performer engaged in a spot of sword swallowing.
Top tip – don't try this at home kids!
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