Nigel's Photo Blog

 View of Trafalgar Square This evening, I am posting information on a key London tourist attraction known as Trafalgar Square. The square's name commemorates a British naval victory off the coast of Cape Trafalgar which took place on October 21st 1805 in context of the Napoleonic Wars with France and Spain. At the centre sits Nelson's Column, a 169 foot (52m) monument to the architect of the naval victory, Horatio Nelson, who, sadly, lost his life in the action. The column is guarded by four lion statues.  Nelson's Column The square is home to a number of commemorative statues and sculptures. The Fourth Plinth, left empty since 1840, has been host to contemporary art since 1999. Prominent buildings facing the square include the National Gallery, St. Martin-in-the Fields (church), Canada House and South Africa House. National Gallery   St. Martin-in-the Fields  The square also serves as a focus point for community gatherings and political demonstrations.

This afternoon I am reprising a recent visit to London's City Wall Vine Street Museum which is actually located in Jewry Street. This is a small museum on two floors with free entry.The facility is dedicated to a rare, restored, surviving section of the stone wall which originally protected the Roman city of Londinium from the third century onwards. Most of the narrative below was sourced from information boards inside the museum. Interior Facing Section of Wall    The above image shows the interior facing section of London's city wall. This was originally a Roman construction completed between AD190 and 230.These remains have stood for centuries and preserved through on-going repairs and repurposing. The original Roman wall was between two and three metres (< 9.5 feet) thick, faced with limestone and filled with rubble and concrete. Red ceramic tiles strengthened and levelled it. In the late medieval period the city expanded beyond the wall and the remains were incorporat

This evening, I am posting a portfolio of images taken during my visit to London. The sightseeing was mainly undertaken on foot. Night-time image of St. Paul's Cathedral   First Folio of Shakespeare's plays.These works had a major (positive) influence on development of the English language.  River Thames scene taken at sunset. London Eye: A giant ferris wheel populatr with tourists. Westminster Abbey: Long used for crowning of British monarchs and other important occasions.   Elizabeth Tower attached to Parliament which holds the Great Clock commonly known as Big Ben.   Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square. Horatio Nelson is ranked as one of the greatest naval commanders in history.  Fountain in Trafalgar Square.   Interior of St Martin's in the Fields, a church a significant architectural interest located near Trafalgar Square.     Exterior of St Martin's in the Fields National Gallery, Trafalgar Square View of 'Big Ben' from Trafalgar Square View of Trafalg

Cumbernauld House, Scotland This evening, I am posting information on important example of Scotland’s architectural heritage, namely Cumbernauld House. This property was designed by leading Scots architect, William Adam (1689-1748 ). In his time William Adam was known as the ‘Universal Architect of Scotland’ being responsible for some 70 major architectural projects of which about 23 survive. Two of the best surviving Adam properties are Haddo House and House of Dun. Cumbernauld House was built in 1731 on the site of a medieval castle which was severely damaged during the civil wars of the 17th century.  The property was built for John Fleming, 6th Earl of Wigton (1674-1744). The 7th Earl died childless after which the property was transferred to the Elphinstone-Fleming family and later, 1875, sold to the Burns shipping family who retained ownership until 1955 when it was sold to the Cumbernauld Development Corporation, a public body. The House was subsequently conver

  Tour group at Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England This evening, I am reprising a one-day section of a large group England tour. First, we departed our lodgings in Bath and drove about 1 hour east to Castle Combe . Latter is a 'picture postcard’ village near Chippenham in Wiltshire. Castle Combe comprises a small community of stone built houses which date back hundreds of years. At the foot of the village is a stream whilst in the centre is St Andrew Church parts of which date from the 13th and 15th centuries. Castle Combe Churchyard Castle Combe, England Castle Combe, England Next, we drove west to Buckfast Abbey in Devon. The current building dates from period 1882-1938 and houses a community of Benedictine monks. Architecture is ‘Norman Transitional and Early English’. This Abbey is built on the site of an earlier abbey dating from 1018-1539 which, post Dissolution of the Monasteries, fell into ruin and was ultimately demolished.   Inside Buckfast Abbey, Engla

  This evening, I am posting information on the Roman era Antonine Wall in Scotland with particular emphasis on the distance slabs which were set up by the Romans during the construction phase. Key facts and information concerning the Antonine Wall: Built AD 139-AD 142. Extends from Bridgeness (or Carriden) on Forth Estuary in the east to Old Kilpatrick on the River Clyde in the west. Extends for 40 Roman miles ( 37 Imperial miles), Built of turf blocks with rampart probably 10ft high and 6ft top width. Defence was augmented with a number of structures including major forts (possibly 26) fortlets and watchtowers. Construction was undertaken by three legions: II Augusta, VI Victrex and XX Valeria Victrix. In practice, possibly some 3000-4000 men were employed in the construction work. Nineteen distance slabs have been discovered. These were set up to record the length of construction work undertaken by each legion. The slabs are far more elaborate and ornate than found elsewh

  This afternoon I am reporting on a chance meeting yesterday with a couple who provide open air pony based experiences for handicapped persons. This proved an eye-opener for me as hitherto I had never before encountered such a facility for the disadvantaged. In essence there is custom designed (and possibly unique) 'buggy' with a flat bed for securely holding wheelchairs which is pulled by a pony named 'Obama' with a very calm temperament.  Once the wheelchair is secured the pony is led at walking pace around terrain which can include fields and beaches. I understand the service is provided Scotland wide on a not-for-profit basis. For more information refer Facebook page:ICA Inclusive Countryside Access Images herein courtesy of Kate Mulholland.  

  Intrepid cyclists at Auldhouse , South Lanarkshire, Scotland This evening, I am reprising a small group cycle ride which followed a 16 mile (25 km) route into undulating countryside and quiet villages with views of the City of Glasgow and Ben Lomond  (mountain) in the distance. Location was southern outskirts of Glasgow, in S.W. Scotland.The ride started and finished at East Kilbride taking in a refreshment stop at Auldhouse en-route. The experience was enhanced by dry and sunny weather.   Old Village, East Kilbride, Scotland   Video clip of East Kilbride (Old Village)     Landscape view from S.Lanarkshire with Glasgow and Ben Lomond Auldhouse Primary School, South Lanarkshire, Scotland Video clip of Auldhouse     Auldhouse Arms, South Lanarkshire, Scotland