Nigel's Photo Blog

Introduction This evening I am reporting on Carlisle Cathedral in N.W. England.  Information on Carlisle Cathedral In recent years I have made at least seven visits to Carlisle (pop 75,000). These relates to my close interest in the on-going archaeological investigation of an important Roman site at the local cricket ground.Last week I found myself with a spare hour and took the opportunity to spend time at the local cathedral. This cathedral is about 800 years old having commenced life as St. Mary's Priory by King Henry I in 1122.Subsequently, over the centuries, the cathedral building and it's wider complex suffered some damage resulting in a contraction of the cathedral's physical estate, notably the nave.This time span covers: Official ceding of Carlisle from Scotland to England (1237). Jacobite Uprising and English civil war. During the former the cathedral nave was used to hold Jacobite (mainly Scottish) prisoners.  Removal of some stonework for use in the nearby c...

 Artist's Impression of Roman site at peak  I ntroduction Yesterday, I undertook my 7th visit to this important Roman site at Carlisle  (N.W. England) since 2023. This blog report should make useful background reading. Latest Information on the Carlisle Roman Site.  The above luxury complex sat somewhat incongruously about one mile south of Hadrian's Wall which was the northern boundary of the Roman Empire and beyond which lay a territory occupied by hostile Picts .The key to this enigma probably rests with the Emperor, Septimus Severus who may have used the site as base during AD 208-211 (approx.) when he was engaged in extensive military campaigns in the north (across the Wall). In terms of date lines: The temple (bottom right) is Romano-British. The bathhouse (centre) is probably military, c. 130 AD. The main building is c. 209-400 AD  After the Severan period the buildings appear to have undergone progressive decline due to poor maintenance.  The site ...

 Introduction This evening, I am reporting on the Trethevy Quoit in Cornwall, SW England.Location is about 32 miles east of Newquay at St.Cleer.  Information on Trethevy Quoit This is a chamber tomb which contains a stone chamber in which the dead were laid. The most conspicuous of this type of structure are known as 'cromlechs', or colloquially as 'quoits'. There are nine such 'quoits' in Cornwall. The Trethevy Quoit is a good example to visit as it is well preserved and presents a dramatic appearance due to the capstone sloping at a precarious angle.  Quoits are usually associated with the Neolithic period of 4000BC-2500BC.They may once have contained the remains of people from Cornwall's early farming communities. This quoit was originally formed of six large granite slabs.These uprights supported the huge 20 tonne capstone.At the east facing entrance is a small entryway called an antechamber but only one of the original two upright stones survives. A s...

 Introduction This afternoon I am reporting on the Cornish seaside resort of Padstow.     Information on Padstow Padstow (pop 3000) is situated on the north Cornish coast, about 17 miles north of Newquay . History: The name is derived from  Sancte Petroces stow of the 11th century.This translates as  'Holy Place of St Pertroc', a Cornish saint's name. Chief Activity: A fishing port.  Access: Road only. Very tight parking in summer season. Known for: Celebrity chef, Rick Stein who operates four restaurants plus bar, cookery school, shops and hotel accommodation in Padstow. Because of the Rick Stein influence the town has acquired the humorous nickname of 'Padstein'. Festival:The Padstow Obby Oss. A fun event celebrating the Celtic feats of 'Beltane' in recognition of the fast approach of summer.Held each year on May 1st (unless a Sunday) and takes place in Padstow's narrow streets and around it's beautiful harbour. Harbour:  The town is situated on...

 Introduction This evening I am reporting on a diverse and ancient section of Bodmin Moor in SW England. Location is 4.5 miles NE of Liskeard and 1.5 miles W of Upton Cross.  Within this relatively small section of the landscape can be found evidence of human activity stretching back about 3,500 years. Information on the sites First, the Hurlers which comprises three large stone circles which stand in a NNE-SSW line. Unusually, the stones (made of local granite) have been shaped.The north circle has retained 16 of original 28 stones, the central ring (slightly oval) has 17 of original 28 stones whilst the southern ring has only 9 of a possible 26 originally.  View of standing stones with free ranging cattle and old tin mining structure in distance.   Another view of the standing stones   Archaeological evidence suggests that site was part of a larger prehistoric ceremonial landscape. Next is the Cheesewring, a geological feature comprising distinctive ...