CHRISTCHURCH CASTLE RUINS

CHRISTCHURCH CASTLE

Christchurch Castle was built in the late 11th century to protect the town and river access to the interior of Wessex. It was built inside the Saxon fort whose walls were probably used to build the castle mound or motte. 

The luxurious Constable's hall was built around 1150. 

The stone keep ~ slighted after 1650 ~ replaced a wooden structure in about 1300. The castle saw action in the Anarchy around 1147 and also in the Civil War in 1645. 

All that's left today are these ruins standing on the mound...

THE PASSING OF TIME.....

THE PASSING OF TIME...

The passing of time can create various kinds of beauty and interest. 
I am always fascinated by doors, gates and windows that haven't been opened for some considerable time. 
Here is an image of a gate in a kitchen garden wall that has obviously been kept closed for a number of years. 
This is a recurring subject for me and over the years I have built up quite a large collection of this type of image.......

GREAT MIS TOR

GREAT MIS TOR - DARTMOOR

This is a view of part of Great Mis Tor which can be found a couple of miles from Princetown on Dartmoor. 
Each of the Tor's on Dartmoor is unique...the size and shape and texture of the stone is infinitely variable and there seems to be a sense of mystery that lingers over each one.
Endless photographic opportunities abound for those prepared to make the effort on foot to enjoy their remote beauty...........

HUNTINGDON CROSS - DARTMOOR

HUNTINGDON CROSS- DARTMOOR

As well as all the Tors that can be seen on Dartmoor, there are numerous crosses and standing stones that seem to add to the mystery and atmosphere of the area. 


This stone is known as Huntingdon Cross and can be found at Lower Huntingdon corner, on the bank of the River Avon at it's confluence with the Western Wellabrook. 


It would appear as though this cross was originally erected as a waymarker for the Abbot's Way. However, in the mid 16th century it was utilised by Sir William Petre, as one of four crosses used to mark the boundary of his manor, Brent, with the parishes of Dean Prior, Harford and Princetown.

ANOTHER DARTMOOR TOR

A VIEW OF THE TORS AT WATERN TOR ABOVE HEW DOWN ON DARTMOOR

I have always enjoyed walking on Dartmoor and I love the shapes and textures of the various Tors to be found across the national park. I have posted images of these wonderful natural structures before......this one is to be found above Hew Down in the northern part of the moor.

A HORROR OF BEING BURIED ALIVE.......

A STRUCTURE IN THE GROUNDS NEAR CHRISTCHURCH PRIORY

 The structure in the above photograph can be found in the grounds close to Christchurch priory in Dorset. The history regarding this building can be found in the image of the information plaque shown below.......

A FOLLY....?

A FOLLY - ALUM CHINE

I pass this gate often as it is situated in Alum Chine and is only a few minutes walk from where I live.  I always think of it as a bit of a 'Folly'. The gate leads to some steps which ascend to the back of a property at the top of the Chine. 
Interestingly there is no need to go through the arch and gate to reach the steps.....just walking around the side of the stone archway is just as easy, which makes the gate and archway seem like overkill, hence me comparing it to the follies that you might find on a large country estate....decorative but not serving any real purpose.