Monday, 9 April 2007

A little light relief…


Blogs over the last few days have been on the long side. In order to keep things relatively light, here are some photographs and a brief description of some of my favourite trips through photographs. They include visits to Salisbury and the Isle of Wight; though more anon. Whilst the beauty of these locations is best experienced at first hand, I hope these snippets will inspire - enjoy! First up the exterior of Salisbury. A truly lovely exterior is seen to advantage here. The cathedral was built during the 13th century with the exception of the spire, which was constructed by 1320. This spire remains the tallest (standing) pre 1400 example in the world!






The font in Salisbury Cathedral is idyllic. Moments spent in meditation in front of it are never regretted.












The cathedral also boosts a working medieval clock from around 1386, or possibly earlier. The clock was found in 1796 and was restored in 1956. Notice the lack of clock face on this piece. This is because clock faces were not thought of when it was made. Instead you can ascertain the time of day by listening for the bell instead.







Now to the Isle of Wight, and on this occasion Osbourne House, the location where Queen Victoria spent many happy days and eventually passed away here. It is now open to the general public.



This is the main entrance and as you can see, the scale of the palace is fitting monument to Victorian confidence and prosperity. Built on an impressive scale the house contains relics and influences from across the globe, whilst also retaining a distinctly English feel.









I could n't resist ending with this beautiful view of the extensive gardens around the House.



Miles of parkland stretch away into the distance. When one beholds it, one feels very calm and comfortable.

1 comment:

Miss Moto said...

A message to anyone reading this comment: if you ever have the chance to visit Salisbury, by all means do it. The Cathedral is simply wonderful, and when the sky is clear and blue it makes such a pleasing contrast with the white stone of the building. The interior is so beautiful and hides many old and modern treasures like one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta and the magical font featured in the photograph. Its surroundings are also idyllic: green lawns and an excellent sample of medieval architecture.

It was very pleasing to actually see the building featured in some of Constable's most remarkable works.

So lovely.........!

Osbourne House was such a treat too. It was such a nice experience to be in Queen Victoria's favourite home. I remember looking through the window and seeing that same view of the gardens, which were lovely indeed. I also remember making some funny comment about the maintenance of the grass..