Walking past Bishopthorpe Palace as the sun slowly disappeared in the west, my eye was caught by a shadowy figure outlined against the warm Tadcaster stone of the gateway. I looked again and realised the figure was the silhouette of a soldier with bowed head and holding a rifle. Closer observation revealed that this was a tribute to members of the Palace staff who lost their lives during the First World War. The poppy wreath at the feet of the soldier stated simply:
“In memory of the Bishopthorpe Palace staff who fell during the Great War 1914-1918.
The Reverend Edward Gibbs
Gnr Charles Barker
Pte Frank Outram”
We will remember them.
Linda Haywood [Bishopthorpe Community Archive]