Nigel's Photo Blog

                                  View of York from Central Tower of York Minster This evening, I am posting images and information on York Minster, a world-class Cathedral in Northern England.                                                                      Priest at York Minster Minster was an Anglo-Saxon name for a missionary church. The first Minster in York was established in AD 627. This was superseded by the Norman Cathedral in 1080 under auspices of the Roman Catholic Church. This structure was subsequently embellished and extended through to 1534 when the Church of England ( Episcopalian) separated from Rome. Subsequent to the 16th century three major fires occurred which required restoration plus underpinning of the central tower (in 1967) which was in danger of collapse. Rose Window, York Minster The actual site of the Cathedral dates back to the Roman period . The Undercroft of the Cathedral contains evidence of the Roman Principia, a Roman wall painting and drain.    

  Tudor style entertainment at Hampton Court Palace This evening, I am reprising a day tour of two important historical sites in England albeit which are separated by about 1100 years. First stop was Chedworth Roman Villa in the Cotswolds, near to Cirencester. Artist's impression of Chedworth Roman Villa at its peak This high status complex commenced around  AD 120, possibly a few years earlier,   and reached its zenith in the late 4th century AD.The site is distinguished by opulence, in particular the extremely high quality floor mosaics, bath houses and centrally heated living quarters, all on a grand scale as illustrated in the artist’s impression above. The Villa went into decline in tandem with the collapse of Roman power in the late 4th and early 5th centuries. It was re-discovered by chance in 1864 when first excavated and has been open to the public ever since. The rich and vibrant colours of the  mosaics (illustrated below) have survived some 1700 years burial undergroun

                                                                                   Landscape view of Hore Abbey This evening, I am posting information on a ruined Cistercian Abbey in County Tipperary, Ireland. Location is about 100 miles SW of Dublin. Summary facts and information: Situated close to, and almost in literal shadow of, more famous neighbour, the Rock of Cashel. Founded 1272 by David McCarville, Archbishop of Cashel on site previously occupied by a Benedictine Monastery. Never achieved great prosperity and was dissolved in 1540 along with many other such establishments on orders of Henry VIII. Prior to Dissolution the Abbey Church was used as the local parish church. After Dissolution some of the Abbey's buildings were adapted for residential use. The ruins are now surrounded by fields where sheep and cattle graze. However, the public have access. The name 'Hore' may be derived from the word for yew tree or colour blue.                                        

                                                             Lancaster Castle                                                                       Lancaster Castle This afternoon I am reporting on Lancaster Castle in Northern England, about sixty miles north of Liverpool. This was much different from the usual medieval ruins of British castles. Lancaster has Roman origins dating from around AD80 but is now a large city with population of 52,000. Although parts of this substantial castle building date from the Norman period of the 11th century, there were additions up to the 15th century. However, there were further expansions in the 18th and 19th centuries to accommodate the needs of a combined County Court and prison. In fact the Castle ceased to have a custodial function as recently as 2011. The courtrooms for civil cases ( very elaborate) and criminal cases are still in use and were included in our tour as was a section of the former prison cells. In one of the exhibition rooms the

Muncaster Castle This evening, I am posting information on Muncaster   Castle which is located near Ravenglass in the English Lake District ..Location is about thirty miles SW of Ambleside Timing of the visit recorded here coincided with the extensive rhododendron plantings in full flower, which enhanced the experience. Key information: Castle has evolved since early medieval times and is probably built on site of a 1st century AD Roman fort. Home of the Pennington family since 1208, possibly 1026. The name Muncaster relates to an Irish peerage.Home to the World Owl Centre. The castle commands stunning views of the Esk Valley. The castle is surrounded by gardens extending to 77 acres with areas dedicated to: Himalayas Bluebells Wildflowers Japan This quality site will appeal to a wide range of interests including ornithologists, horticulturists, photographers and castle historians. Rhododendron Flower Owl display.   Esk Valley from Muncaster Castle.   Rhododendrons and Esk Valle

This evening, I am reprising a hike through a scenic area in North Wales. To reach the site (Glyn Ceiriog) entailed driving along backroads, a route which provided stunning views of the local landscape. Upon arrival at the village of Glyn Ceiriog we had lunch then embarked on a two-hour hike around the local landscape. This proved very rewarding, in terms of exertion and views in the afternoon sunshine. The Welsh language is spoken extensively here. Llangollen   Llangollen Landscape Hiking around Glyn Ceiriog Glyn Ceiriog Landscape view, Glyn Ceiriog St Ffraid's Church, Glyn Ceirig

  Northumberland landscape near Elsdon This evening, I am reporting on the Northumbrian village (England) of Elsdon which lies about thirty miles N.W. of Newcastle upon Tyne on the southern tip of the Northumberland National Park. Summary facts and information as follows: Home to an 11th century Motte and Bailey castle and a 14th century Pele Tower. Village green extends to 7.5 acres within which is St Cuthbert's Church which can be traced back to the 11th century, Close to Otterburn where was fought a major battle between the English and Scots in 1388. There is a military camp and firing range at Otterburn today. An unspoilt Northumbrian village the peace of which belies an unruly and lawless past. Population about 654. Landscape surrounding Elsdon is mainly used for sheep farming. The name is probably of Old English origin which translates as 'valley of a man called El(l)i' Video clip of Elsdon Village, Northumberland      St Cuthbert's Church, Elsdon,      Inside St