Nigel's Photo Blog

Winning Chelsea Team This evening, I am posting information on the London based, Chelsea Football (soccer) Club. Chelsea is a member of the English Premier League. This is the top level of the English football league system. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football League. Seasons run from August to May with each team playing 38 matches.As of today, Chelsea sit at top of the Premier League. Chelsea FC Women: Originally called Chelsea Ladies Football Club, was established in 1992 and has been affiliated with Chelsea Football Club since 2004. The first team competes in the FA Women's Super League, with the reserves playing in the FA WSL Development League Southern Division. This team currently ranks 2nd in the WSL. . Summary information on the club as follows: Founded 1905 subsequent to which the club's fortunes, in terms of league and cup wins, have fluctuated considerably. Home stadium at Stamford Bridge, West Lo...

Dartmoor National Park Park landscape Information in the following paragraph has been sourced from Google: Dartmoor National Park is a vast moorland in the county of Devon, in southwest England. Dartmoor ponies roam its craggy landscape, defined by forests, rivers, wetlands and tors (rock formations). Trails wind through valleys with Neolithic tombs, Bronze Age stone circles and abandoned medieval farmhouses. The area is dotted with villages, including Princetown, home to Dartmoor Prison used during the Napoleonic Wars. The famous Sherlock Holmes crime story The Hound of the Baskervilles by Conon Doyle is set on Dartmoor.  Clapper Bridge at Postbridge Dartmoor Ponies   The following information has been sourced from the Visit Dartmoor website. There are herds of beautiful pedigree Dartmoor ponies living out on the commons all year-round. They have the genetics to thrive in the harshest of conditions, with their dense, thick coats and thick manes & tails. Dark coats give ...

  Image of town. Note thatched roof. This evening, I am focusing on the quaint and pleasant town of Moretonhampstead, Devon. The name is the longest such place name in England. Population is about 1700 persons.Location is some  two hundred miles S.W. of London. Remains of Old Market (Preaching) Cross Moretonhampstead has a history dating back to the 8th century AD Saxon era. First part of the name means 'farmstead in moorland' . During the Middle Ages ( 5th to the late 15th centuries) the town prospered from the wool trade resulting in many fine buildings of historic interest notwithstanding a number of destructive fires in the early 20th century. The town is now designated a conservation area and comprises many listed (protected) buildings including alms houses (medieval social housing) which date back to the 15th century. Alms Houses  For historic reasons, the Sparrowhawk (bird of prey) has become the unofficial symbol of Moretonhampstead.   The parish church (Ang...

  Introduction Tonight, I am posting information on a fascinating example of Welsh industrial history.  Historically, heavy industry in Wales was confined to coal and iron in the south and slate quarrying in the north. However, at Dyfi Furnace, about twelve miles north of Aberystwith in mid-Wales, is a perfectly preserved example of a charcoal -fired blast furnace from 1755. The facility was used for the smelting of iron-ore via a process which used water power to drive a huge set of bellows. Most of the pig-iron output was sent to forges in the English Midlands.This activity lasted for 50 years.After a period of abandonment iron-making activity was converted to a sawmill. Waterfall on the River Einion at Dyfi Furnace. A mill race leads from the top of the waterfall to power the breastshot waterwheel.   Head of the waterfall Detailed history (from Wikipedia) The site for Dyfi Furnace was chosen downstream of the   waterfall   on the River Einion to take advant...

  Bourton-on-the-Hill looking east. This evening, I am posting information on the quintessentially English Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Hill which is located in central England, about  20 miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon. Facts and information on Bourton-on-the-Hill: Population about 300 persons. Populated by honey coloured stone cottages, many of which date from the 17th and 18th centuries. There is a church (illustrated below) and pub known as the Horse & Groom. As the name suggests, Bourton is located on a steep hill which in days past was part of the main Worcester to London coaching route. Located on the Heart of England Way, a 100 mile long recreational hiking route. Nearest town is Moreton-in-the-Marsh , two miles to the east. Many historic houses and visitor sites are within reach including Batsford Arboretum. Traditional English Cottage Cotswold Cottages English Cotswolds Cottages Bourton-on-the-Hill, St. St..Lawrence Church

Colourful boats This evening, I am posting information on Mevagissey in Cornwall, S.W. England. This is a village popular with tourists which is located about five miles south of St. Austell. Population is approximately 2000. Harbour scene The historic, core activity of fishing still continues with over sixty vessels in operation although tourism is now the main revenue source.There are also literary and filming connections. Children's author Susan Cooper is based in the village whilst scenes for the Poldark T.V. series have been filmed here. Synchronised swan preening. The name dates back to around AD 1400 and is derived from the patron saints of the church, Saints Meva and Issey.There are three holy wells in the parish. The key physical features comprise narrow streets (some very steep), Mevagissey Bay and inner and outer harbours. The latter can be populated by colourful fishing vessels. Steep, narrow street.   Ship Inn There are pubs, eateries, ice cream and other shops aimed a...

Tonight, I am posting information on the pleasant small town of Newport in Pembrokeshire, S.W. Wales.Population is about 1200 persons. This is a good spot for a low-key vacation. On the one hand it is not overly commercial or 'touristy' whilst on the other hand it offers a wide range of interests for the more discerning, independent visitor including: Hiking trails. Ancient, prehistoric monuments. Bird watching on the nearby Nevern estuary. Interaction with Welsh language and culture. Extensive, sandy beach, three miles to the north. Within range of the Castell Henllys reconstructed Iron-Age settlement. Just five miles north of the Waun Mawn stone circle, the predecessor of Stonehenge. The main street, which comprises West Street, Bridge Street and East Street,is very narrow, but has character. Along this and adjacent streets can be found various artisan and specialist shops.A few hotels can be found here.also.Parking can be tight. Here is a selection of pertinent images: New...