South range of Dominican Friary, originally serving as the south cloister walk, library, and possibly the Prior’s quarters and infirmary. C15, altered in 1861. A lean-to of 1863 is attached to the south whilst to the south-east is a vestibule (now known as ‘The Crypt’) built by the Friars Penitential in the C13 but altered by the Dominicans in the C14. Even married people, Norris observed, often undertake de facto periods of celibacy during personal crises or at other crucial times. Drawing on her personal experiences, Norris, Malone claimed, offers insights that save the book from being a self-indulgent memoir, as is typical of the genre. “The author learns something from her experience, and so do we.” Concluded Malone, “ The Cloister Walkis often just plain funny. ... It is beautifully written ... in giving us life closely observed and accurately expressed. Norris ... has something significant to say.” A brilliant stay. Great experience. Excellent accommodation and wonderful hosts. One feels as though one has been staying in a friend’s apartment whilst they have been away and you have been asked to look after if for them. It’s a family affair so to speak!” Our daughter had stayed in the sister apartment to Feversham and had absolutely raved about it and we we now do the same about this little gem that Melanie and David have created. Nothing was too much trouble for these fabulous hosts who offer 5* accommodation in a fabulous location. Thank you!’

What a fantastic apartment to explore York and the surrounding area. The apartment was beautiful, even better than the pictures. Everything you needed was available to make our stay as comfortable as possible and well worth the money! We loved our stay and have booked again for 2023.” Library Journal, February 1, 1972, p. 504; September 15, 1981, p. 1738; May 1, 1998, review of The Quotidian Mysteries, p. 106; March 15, 2001, Carol A. McAllister, review of The Virgin of Bennington, p. 90.We both had a wonderful time and the apartment was really nice, a credit to you both. It’s really apparent that you both put a great deal of effort into getting it just right.” Bloomsbury Review, March-April, 1993, p. 16; November, 1998, review of Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith, p. 11. A remarkable piece of writing. If read with humility and attention, Kathleen Norris's book becomes lectio divina, or holy reading.” –The Boston Globe

Thank you so much for the use of your beautiful apartment, your warm welcome on arrival and the thoughtfulness of putting the kettle on and baking us a cake. We have had a lovely few days in York. We have been able to return here and feel comfortable, warm and safe in very relaxing surroundings.” So pleased to have found Cloisters Walk! The apartment exudes quality throughout. It’s clean, bright, comfortable and so well equipped. The place cannot be bettered!” The personal attention we received was far beyond anything we have ever received in all our travels.” Degree of survival: the friary church is substantially intact and three ranges of the cloister retain a substantial proportion of medieval fabric;Depression is a common malady in our culture, and the author writes movingly of her own encounters with it. How does the Word of God provide her with “ a hope that no modern therapeutic approach can give” (p. 129)? Part memoir, part meditation, The Cloister Walk is the movingly written and thought-provoking record of a married, Protestant woman’s time spent in a community of men in a traditional Benedictine monastery in Minnesota. Any reader seeking a meaningful life – not necessarily a religious one – will be inspired by author Kathleen Norris’s experiences among monks who, while so little understood in our society, are admirable bearers of tradition, incorporating in their lives the values of stability, silence, and humility that we so desperately need, yet relentlessly avoid. An award-winning poet, Kathleen Norris brings her appreciation for language and metaphor to the reading of Bible, especially the psalms, and shares the way she slowly, sometimes painfully, “let words work the earth of her heart.” Gradually she learns much about simplicity, patience, forgiveness, the value of community, and the responsibility of freedom. It is in the sanctuary of the cloister that she at last achieves healing – finding peace in her sometimes troubled marriage and gaining a new understanding of her challenging life in the outside world. Above all, she discovers the force of spirituality and the beneficial change it can effect – that “love can be the center of all things, if only we will keep it there.”

Christian Science Monitor, February 26, 1998, Robin Whitten, review of The Cloister Walk (audio version), p. B4. Our second visit to this lovely apartment. So central yet lovely and quiet. Nice Christmas additions from the owners and info on things happening in York during our stay. No need now to look for somewhere else to stay when in York as no. 10 just perfect!”Our first trip to York has been a delight and no small part due to the accommodation you have provided. The thought and care you have taken to design and furnish this apartment were evident. It was easy to feel at home. Thank you!”