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Tewkesbury Abbey, England

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 Introduction This evening, I am posting information on Tewkesbury Abbey which is located in the Cotswolds region of England.  Landscape view of Tewkesbury Abbey   Information on Tewkesbury Abbey This post follows a recent visit to the abbey which was in context of a display at the abbey focused on the Bayeaux Tapestry .  Tewkesbury is about 120 miles NW of London and is situated near Cheltenham and Gloucester.  The Norman (French) invasion of England took place in 1066. Shortly after, in 1102, Robert Fitzhamon (an incoming Norman) founded a new Benedictine monastery at Tewkesbury. Monks were recruited from Cranborne in Dorset, 110 miles to the south. As will be evident from the images herein, a magnificent Romanesque church was built for the community. This reflected the wealth, ambition and religious devotion of the Norman world.  Abbey Interior   The great arches, massive columns and soaring tower expressed power, faith and permanence.In addit...
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Bayeaux Tapestry

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Introduction I have just returned from a 650 mile round trip to view the famous Bayeaux Tapestry a facsimile of which being on display at Tewkesbury Abbey in the English Cotswolds. In fact the tapestry is an embroidery but in this report I will use the description of tapestry as this is in common use. Tewkesbury Abbey    Information on the Bayeaux Tapestry  The cloth comprising the tapestry is nearly 70 metres (230 feet) long and 50 cm (20 inches) tall. It depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England led by William, Duke of Normandy (France) and the transforming Battle of Hastings in 1066. Due to the length of the tapestry the presentation of it has been split into two sections-hence two videos below.  Basically, the underlying story of the tapestry centres on a dispute over succession of the English monarchy. The kingship should have passed to William of Normandy on death of Edward the Confessor but Harold reneged on his oath of allegiance to Wil...
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Nature Pics

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This evening, I am posting a couple of nature based images which I captured this morning on my walk around Rouken Glen Country Park near Glasgow in S.W.Scotland. This is possibly my best ever capture of rainbow.    Excellent display of wood-decay fungi which is doing it's job recycling dead wood.   More information For more information on a wide range of aspects please refer to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle .          
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Elie, Scotland

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 Introduction This afternoon I am reporting on the popular Fife coast village of Elie.   Information on Elie Population (in conjunction with nearby Earlsferry) about 710 persons. Located in East Neuk of Fife where it is most westerly of the five East Neuk villages.. From Edinburgh distance is about 45 miles to N.E. Alternatively, about 15 miles due south of  St Andrews . Etymology:No consensus on origin of name. However, el ige (Old English for 'isle of eels' ) is credible.  Holiday Activities: The village's golden sands are a long-standing attraction. There is also a busy watersports centre at the harbour which includes windsurfing, sailing and conoeing. Mountain bike hire is also available. Accommodation and Eatery: The Ship Inn overlooks the waterfront and has a good reputation for food.  Golf : St Andrews is 15 miles to the north, Lundin Links is about 7 miles to west, Crail is about 15 miles to N.E. Elie has it's own 18 hole links course. Hiking: Elie is...
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Storm Boelo Hits West of Scotland

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This morning I ventured out during Storm Boelo which subjected the West of Scotland to wind speeds of between 60 and 80 mph.  My route took me through Rouken Glen Country Park , Glasgow where I witnessed considerable tree casualties as illustrated in images below.  This is an entire tree which proved difficult to photograph in a recumbent position.   A big one, roots and all, in nearby street       This one came down in centre of parkland.     Road blocker   Another road blocker     The following images are not, specifically, tree/storm related.    Line of poplar trees      Family group of swans unfazed by weather conditions.     Waterfall in full spate    A dash of sunlight on the Auldhouse Burn (river).     Overall, an interesting experience. No doubt we will experience further storms as the winter unfolds.  More information For more information on a wide range ...
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