BALISTRARIA......

BALISTRARIA

Balistraria or Arrow slits are commonly seen on medieval castle walls and turrets. They are also known as Arrow hoops or Loop holes......There is plenty of room here for the Archer to move around whilst he launches his arrows on any enemies who dared to attack and storm the castle......

ABOVE HEW DOWN - DARTMOOR

TOR ABOVE HEW DOWN - DARTMOOR

This Tor can be found above Hew Down in the northern part of Dartmoor. 
The various Tors can almost be described as nature's sculptures - a sculpturesque shape in a wild landscape. 
Each one is unique in both it's shape and size.....this one gives the appearance that it is about to topple over, although in reality it will probably be standing for many years to come.

TITCHFIELD ABBEY

A VIEW OF TITCHFIELD ABBEY

Titchfield abbey is a medieval abbey located in the village of Titchfield near Fareham in Hampshire, England. 
Titchfield Abbey was closed in 1537 by Henry V111 of England during the dissolution of the monasteries. 
With stone hard to come by in Hampshire, the Abbey was built using stone brought in from Dorset, the Isle of Wight and even Caen in France. It was built for Premonstratensian Canons an austere order of priests.

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.