There is so much about this image that I like. I really like the warm colour of the stonework, I like the rough texture of the stone where you can see the markings of the masons tools. I love the shape of the arch and the diamond pattern of the leaded window. I like the sunlight as it shines through and I can image sitting here on a sunny day looking out from the castle across the fields.
The magnificent castle at Pembroke was clearly built to impress and I am sure that in its heyday it certainly did that. It has an imposing presence overlooking the river and with its high, thick walls surrounded by a moat it would have been more or less impregnable. Although it is in ruins the fact that so much remains intact hundreds of years after its construction says a lot about the intentions of the architect and the skills of the craftsmen and labourers who put it all together.
From the rocky texture of the bark in yesterday's images to the smooth texture of dressed and eroded stone in today's.
These pictures are from Ewloe Castle, built in 1257 by Llewellyn ap Gruffudd. It is an interesting castle because although it has a keep and a D shaped tower and very thick walls it is unclear why it was built because it would not have been easy to defend and perhaps it was built more as a show of wealth or strength than anything else. In any case what struck me was the quality of the stone work that has survived for over 750 years. The colour of the stone has depth and warmth and is enhanced by the mossy growth in the joints. The stairs in the tower lead to an exposed parapet which left me feeling a bit wobbly and the uneven surface on the way down, in the wet, demanded extra care even for such a short distance.
I haven't been able to blog for a couple of days for various reasons and I have missed the process of sorting through images and choosing what to share. For today I have gone back to some pictures which I took back in May.
The title of the blog today is taken from the Monty Python film The Life of Brian https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9foi342LXQE have a look at the clip, I am sure it will make you smile.
The meticulously placed slabs in the walls here at Housesteads Fort on Hadrian's Wall have stood for almost 1,900 years and they still look imposing, showing the quality of the workmanship and skills of the Roman builders. They make a good subject for a photo too so I hope you enjoy these shots.
Today's pictures are from Dore Abbey in the small Herefordshire village of Abbey Dore. I was drawn to visit the place because we share a name. I wasn't disappointed.
I like the old masonry and the arches and I like the old door which appears only to open from the inside...
