Nigel's Photo Blog

  Winchester Cathedral This evening, I am reprising a one-day section of an extended tour of medieval England. First, we departed lodgings in Alton and then drove to nearby Winchester where we focused on the following: Striking bronze statue of King Alfred the Great which dominates the Broadway. King Alfred Statue The Great Hall, which is the only surviving part of Winchester Castle inside which is the 700 year old Round Table, closely associated with the legendary King Arthur. Great Hall, Winchester Arthurian Round Table Queen Eleanor’s Garden at the Great Hall, a recreation of a medieval garden. Queen Eleanor’s Garden Ruins of Winchester Castle. Winchester Castle Ruins Jewry Street, associated with the medieval Marshall family. Jewry Street, Winchester Winchester’s  historic Cathedral, a follow-up to yesterday’s visit. Here we located the very unusual gravestone of one Thomas Thetcher who died of alcohol excess. Winchester Cathedral After lunch at Winchester...

 Rievaulx Abbey Tonight, I am reprising a one-day tour of key medieval sites in northern England. We covered key objectives of Middleham Castle and Rievaulx Abbey and then managed to fit in a late visit to Durham city and it's Cathedral. MIDDLEHAM CASTLE Middleham Castle was probably built around AD1170-80, possibly by Robert FitzRanulph. Ownership passed to Robert de Nevill in 1270 under whose descendants the castle was extended. In 1472 Richard, Duke of Gloucester acquired Middleham and used it as a residence. He later became Richard III, having been crowned in 1483. Richard stayed at the castle for a short period in 1484. He was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. After the death of Richard III the castle passed to the new Royal line and Henry VI but was used for administration rather than a Royal residence. In 1604, the castle was granted to the Linley family and later played a minor role in the Civil War. Post 1662 the castle was in hands of various private owners and pr...