Picasa Web Albums - Terry Franks

The Meres, Ellesmere, Shropshire - 1 September 2011

Ellesmere is a small market town near Oswestry in north Shropshire, England, notable for its proximity to a number of prominent lakes, the Meres. The town is located by the side of 'The Mere', one of the largest natural meres in England outside the Lake District and one of nine glacial meres in the area. These meres are different to those in the Lake District in that they do not have a flow of water into them to maintain the level.There are eight other meres nearby: Blakemere, Colemere, Crosemere, Kettlemere, Newtonmere, Whitemere, Sweatmere and Hanmer Mere. (Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellesmere,_Shropshire)

Sep 1, 2011

Photos: 15

Whittington Castle, Shropshhure - 1 September 2011

Whittington Castle is a castle in northern Shropshire, England, owned and managed by the Whittington Castle Preservation Fund. The castle was originally a motte-and-bailey castle, but this was replaced in the 13th century by one with buildings around a courtyard whose exterior wall was the curtain wall of the inner bailey. As a castle of the Welsh Marches, it was built on the border of Wales and England very close to the historic fort of Old Oswestry. The Whittington Castle is unique in that it is the only castle in the UK which is owned and managed by a community of local residents. Today, it is a popular castle for tourism for its physical attraction. Whittington castle resides on a 12-acre (49,000 m2) property in the village of Whittington, in the district of North Shropshire, in the county of Shropshire in England. It abuts Castle Road. (Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whittington_Castle)

Sep 1, 2011

Photos: 17

Oswestry - 31 August 2011

Oswestry (Welsh: Croesoswallt) is a town and civil parish in Shropshire, England, close to the Welsh border. It is at the junction of the A5, A483, and A495 roads. In 1190 the town was granted the right to hold a market each Wednesday. After the foot and mouth outbreak in the late 1960s the animal market was moved out of the town centre. In the 1990s, a statue of a shepherd and sheep was installed in the market square as a memorial to the history of the market site. With the weekly influx of Welsh farmers the town folk were often bilingual. The town built walls for protection, but these were torn down by the Parliamentarians after they took the town after a brief siege on 22 June 1644, leaving only the Newgate Pillar visible today.

Aug 31, 2011

Photos: 15

Northern New Forest - 2 August 2011

On 28 June 2004, Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael confirmed the government's intention to designate the area as a National Park, with further detailed boundary adjustments. The area was formally designated as such on 1 March 2005. A national park authority for the New Forest was established on 1 April 2005 and assumed its full statutory powers on 1 April 2006.[21] The Forestry Commission retain their powers to manage the Crown land within the Park, and the Verderers under the New Forest Acts also retain their responsibilities, and the park authority is expected to co-operate with these bodies, the local authorities, English Nature and other interested parties. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_forest)

Aug 2, 2011

Photos: 15

The Fovant Badges, Fovant, Wiltshire - 31 July 2011

Fovant is principally known for several regimental badges cut in chalk into a nearby hill, also being the site of Chiselbury Iron age hillfort. The badges were created by soldiers garrisoned near Fovant during the First World War and are clearly visible from the A30 which runs through the village. The Fovant Badge Society holds an annual 'Drumhead' Service which is attended by the Australian High Commissioner, local mayors and members of parliament. These services fund the war memorial which is the Fovant Badges, helping to conserve a part of the area's wartime history. There are only 8 badges remaining. Many have been lost, including a 'YMCA' badge that became lost recently. Two almost-lost military badges at Sutton Mandeville and one now-lost at Compton Chamberlayne were also looked after by the Fovant Badge Society. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fovant_badges)

Jul 31, 2011

Photos: 8

Old Sarum, Salisbury, Wiltshire - 31 July 2011

Old Sarum (Latin: Sorbiodunum) is the site of the earliest settlement of Salisbury, in England. The site contains evidence of human habitation as early as 3000 BC. Old Sarum is mentioned in some of the earliest records in the country. It is located on a hill about two miles north of modern Salisbury adjacent to the A345 road. Old Sarum was originally an Iron age hill fort strategically placed on the conjunction of two trade routes and the River Avon. The hill fort is broadly oval in shape, 400 metres (1,300 ft) in length and 360 metres (1,180 ft) in width, it consists of a double bank and intermediate ditch with an entrance on the eastern side. The site was used by the Romans, becoming the town of Sorviodunum. The Saxons used the site as a stronghold against marauding Vikings, and the Normans built a stone curtain wall around the Iron age perimeter and a centrally placed castle on a motte protected by a deep dry moat. A royal palace was built within the castle for King Henry I and sub

Jul 31, 2011

Photos: 26

Nr. Ansty, Wiltshire - 30 July 2011

Ansty is a village and civil parish in Wiltshire, England, about 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Shaftesbury and just north of the A30 road between Shaftesbury and Salisbury. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansty,_Wiltshire)

Jul 30, 2011

Photos: 10

Old Wardour Castle - 30 July 2011

Wardour Castle is located near Tisbury in the English county of Wiltshire, about 15 miles (24 km) west of Salisbury. The original castle was partially destroyed during the Civil War. It is managed by English Heritage who have designated it as a grade I listed building,[1] and is open to the public. The castle was built on land previously owned by the St Martin family, but when Sir Lawrence de St Martin died in 1385 it was handed over to John, the fifth Baron Lovell for reasons unknown. It was built using locally quarried Tisbury greensand, with William Wynford as the master mason, after Baron Lovell had been granted permission by Richard II in 1392. It was destroyed during the English Civil War. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Wardour_Castle)

Jul 30, 2011

Photos: 38

Lymington, Hampshire - 29 July 2011

Jul 29, 2011

Photos: 16

Camping & Caravanning Club Site, Verwood, Dorset - 28 July 2011

150 Pitches - Non Members welcome "Explore the New Forest and the south coast" The New Forest, the elegant resort of Bournemouth and the busy harbour at Poole are all close to our beautiful Site at Verwood, which is just south of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Jul 28, 2011

Photos: 12

Christchurch, Dorset - 26 July 2011

Christchurch is a borough and town in the county of Dorset on the south coast of England. The town adjoins Bournemouth in the west and the New Forest lies to the east. Historically in Hampshire, it joined Dorset with the reorganisation of local government in 1974 and is the most easterly borough in the county. It covers an area of 19.5 square miles (51 km2) and has a population of approximately 45,000, making it the fourth most populous town in the county. Christchurch was founded in the 7th century at the confluence of the rivers Avon and Stour which flow into Christchurch Harbour. The town was originally named Twynham but became known as Christchurch following the construction of the priory in 1094. The town developed into an important trading port and was fortified in the 9th century. Further defences were added in the 12th century with the construction of a castle which was destroyed by the Parliamentarian army during the English Civil War. During the 18th and 19th centuries smu

Jul 26, 2011

Photos: 30

Brockenhurst and New Forest - 25 July 2011

Brockenhurst is a village situated in the New Forest, Hampshire, England. The New Forest is a national park and Brockenhurst is therefore surrounded by woodland that attracts thousands of visitors all year round. The nearby towns surrounding Brockenhurst are Lymington and Lyndhurst. Brockenhurst College is situated on the village's outskirts. It is the largest New Forest village by population. Brockenhurst is also the place of residence of Mark Kermode, renowned BBC film critic and skiffle musician. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brockenhurst)

Jul 25, 2011

Photos: 69

New Forest (Ashley Heath) - 24 July 2011

The New Forest is an area of southern England which includes the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in the heavily-populated south east of England. It covers south-west Hampshire and extends into south-east Wiltshire. - Wikipedia

Jul 24, 2011

Photos: 15

Burley, Hampshire - 24 July 2011

Burley is located towards the western edge of the New Forest, 5 miles (8.0 km) south-east of the town of Ringwood. The village is fairly scattered, and apart from the village centre, there is Burley Street to the north; Bisterne Close to the east; and the Mill Lawn area to the north-east. Burley has a post office, newsagents, butcher’s shop, and village stores, as well as tea rooms, antique shops, art galleries and gift shops. The village still practices the old tradition of commoning, allowing animals to graze on the open Forest, and ponies and cattle roam freely around the village. The village is surrounded by the open heathland of the New Forest, containing a complex of woodland, heathland and acid grassland, shrub and valley bog, supporting a richness and diversity of wildlife. - Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley,_Hampshire)

Jul 24, 2011

Photos: 9

St. Mary's Church, Breamore, Hampshire - 23 July 2011

Breamore church is a large and handsome structure and is of special interest, being a valuable and practically complete example of a Saxon building dating from late in the 10th century. It is exceptionally long (96ft 6in) and consists of a chancel and aisle-less nave, separated by a square central tower, from which there opened originally a lateral porticus or chapel or transept on each side, the one on the north having now disappeared, and there are indications that a western adjunct also existed opening into and of the same width as the nave. The walls are composed of whole flints with large quoins of irregular long and short work and pilaster strips of green sandstone and ironstone, but the appearance it now presents is very different to its original aspect, for the whole church both within and without was covered in pro-conquest times with plaster, the only portions left uncovered being the quoins and pilaster strips. It is an exceptional place for worship and

Jul 23, 2011

Photos: 17

Dorset Heavy Horse Centre - 21 July 2011

"You will find something for everyone enjoy interesting tours, talks and displays, FREE Heavy Horse Wagon Rides, Tractor and Trailer rides and even the chance to Drive a real Farm tractor!! There's a busy timetable of hands on interaction with the friendly farm animals including over 20 rescued heavy horses, donkeys, miniature ponies, kunie kunie pigs, goats, sheep, alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, snow dogs and many more!" - http://www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk/

Jul 21, 2011

Photos: 74

East Anglian Railway Museum - 31 May 2011

The East Anglian Railway Museum is located at Chappel and Wakes Colne railway station in Essex, which is situated on the former Great Eastern Railway branch line from Marks Tey to Sudbury. Services on the Sudbury Branch Line are operated by National Express East Anglia. The Museum has a wide collection of locomotives and rolling stock, some of which are fully restored while others are undergoing repair and restoration. The Restoration Shed was built in 1983–4, prior to which most work had to take place in the Goods Shed or in the open. On event days, steam train rides are operated over a short demonstration track. The Museum also plays host to two popular annual events: the Cider Festival held each June, and the Beer Festival held each September. During the festivals, additional late-evening trains on the Sudbury Branch Line allow festival-goers to return home by train. Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Anglian_Railway_Museum

May 31, 2011

Photos: 43

Suffolk Villages - 29 May 2011

Suffolk has many picturesque towns and villages. These photographs show just a few of them.

May 29, 2011

Photos: 51

Lavenham, Suffolk - 26 May 2011

Lavenham in Suffolk is noted for its 15th century church and over 300 half-timbered medieval buildings including the Guildhall of Corpus Christi in the Market Place. In the boom time of the cloth industry Lavenham was one of the wealthiest towns in the country but by the 19th century had descended into poverty.

May 26, 2011

Photos: 16

Flatford Mill, Suffolk - 25 May 2011

Flatford Mill is a Grade I listed 18th century watermill built in 1733 in Flatford, East Bergholt, Suffolk, England. Attached to the mill is a 17th century miller's cottage which is also Grade I listed. The property is located in the heart of Dedham Vale, a typically English rural landscape. It is noted as the location for works by John Constable, whose father owned the mill. Constable made the mill and its immediate surroundings the subject of many of his most famous paintings. It is the title of one of his most iconic paintings, Flatford Mill, and is in the title or the subject of several other of his largest paintings including Flatford Mill from a lock on the Stour[1], Flatford Mill from the lock (A water mill) and The Lock. The Hay Wain, which features Willy Lott's Cottage, was painted from the front of the mill.

May 25, 2011

Photos: 49

Lund Cathedral - 19 March 2011

The Lund Cathedral (Swedish: Lunds domkyrka) is the Lutheran cathedral in Lund, Scania, Sweden. It is the seat of the bishop of Lund of the Church of Sweden. The astronomical clock of the cathedral, the Horologium mirabile Lundense, was made around 1424. After having been in storage since 1837, it was restored and put back in place in 1923. The crypt has remained largely untouched since its consecration in 1123. The crypt is identified by its numerous and densely built pillars. The pillars are very different in style and were built by the architect Donatus. The most famous pillar is the one with the statue of a man embracing it. Local legend tells that the figure is Finn the Giant, builder of the cathedral. Another column has a similar sculpture of a woman, the wife of Finn according to legend. It is not known who the man on the column actually represents, but it could be the Biblical character Samson.

Mar 19, 2011

Photos: 49

Installation of Professors - Lund University - 18 March 2011

Welcome to the solemn Professor installation! The word university comes from the Latin universitas, which means something like ‘a whole, the whole thing’. This word has been associated with universus with the meaning ‘full, all-encompassing, really facing in one direction’, and with ‘the universe’ and ‘universal’. University became, in the late Middle Ages, a name given to the associations of different groups of teachers and/or students from different orientations, which together constitute what is called in Swedish the Universitat. Such grew up in various places in Europe, first in Bologna and Paris, and subsequently also in Uppsala and Lund. A university in the classical sense must therefore be diverse and include several disciplines and faculties. The various faculties of Lund University manage and renew a long academic tradition, for our part from 1666. - Extract from the Rektor's Foreword

Mar 18, 2011

Photos: 28

1920s-30s 98th Surrey & Sussex Yeomanry

My uncle Alf Franks was a member of 392 Bty 98 Surrey & Sussex Yeomanry RA. He was killed fighting with the Battery in France on 28 May 1940 aged 38 and is buried in Lille Southern Cemetery At the time of his death he held the rank of Battery Quartermaster Sergeant. The Surrey Yeomanry (Queen Mary's Regiment) (TF) was reformed in 1920 after World War 1 with Headquarters at 73 King's Avenue, Clapham, S.W.4. It was initially formed as an Army Troops unit within Eastern Command. In November 1921 the Territorial Force was renamed as The Territorial Army.Post-war reorganisations of the Territorials made most of its Yeomanry Cavalry Regiments surplus to requirements and in early 1922 it was announced that the Surrey Yeomanry would convert to Royal Field Artillery and provide two batteries to an existing Brigade, 98th (Sussex Yeomanry) Army Brigade, RFA (TF). The Surrey Yeomanry therefore formed 391st (Surrey Yeomanry) and 392nd (Surrey Yeomanry) (Howitzer) Batteries, both at Clapham

Nov 15, 2010

Photos: 16

Macros

Close-up photographs

Oct 29, 2010

Photos: 12

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway - 4 September 2010

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway is a 1 ft 3 in (381 mm) gauge light railway in Kent, England. The 13.5 miles (22 km) line runs from the Cinque Port of Hythe via Dymchurch, St. Mary's Bay, New Romney and Romney Sands to Dungeness, close to Dungeness nuclear power station and Dungeness lighthouse. Constructed during the 1920s and opened on 16 July 1927, the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway was the dream of millionaire racing drivers Captain J.E.P. Howey and Count Louis Zborowski. Zborowski was killed in a motor racing accident at Monza before the Romney Marsh site was chosen, and Howey continued the project alone. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romney_Hythe_and_Dymchurch_Railway)

Sep 4, 2010

Photos: 20

Chillenden, Kent - 2 September 2010

Chillenden is a village in East Kent, England, between Canterbury and Deal. It was home to the families of Thomas Chillenden and William Chillenden, as indicated by their surnames. (Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chillenden)

Sep 2, 2010

Photos: 17

Broadstairs - 1 September 2010

Broadstairs is a coastal town on the Isle of Thanet in the Thanet district of east Kent, England, about 80 miles (130 km) south-east of London. It is part of the civil parish of Broadstairs and St Peter's, which includes St. Peter's and had a population in 2001 of about 24,000. Situated between Margate and Ramsgate, it is one of Thanet's seaside resorts, known as the "Jewel in Thanet's crown". The town's crest motto is Stella Maris ("Star of the Sea"). The name derives from a former flight of steps in the chalk cliff, which led from the sands up to the 11th-century shrine of St Mary on the cliff top. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadstairs)

Sep 1, 2010

Photos: 19

2010-08-11_17 Marple & Marple Bridge

Marple is a large village within the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, in Greater Manchester, England. It lies on the River Goyt southeast of Stockport. Historically, but no longer, part of Cheshire, Marple has a population of 23,480 (2001 Census). Known as Merpille by the early 13th century, probably from the words maere and pyll meaning "a pool or stream near the boundary".[1]. It is in no way related to Miss Marple, the popular series of novels by Agatha Christie. In the early 1900s the town prospered from the success of cotton in nearby Stockport and Manchester, the canals in the area served as a vital link with other industrial hubs making Marple a very important area of infrastructure. The railway arrvied in the mid 1900s and this saw the demise of the canal as a transport link. The railway opened the Village to commuters. The village is still very much a commuter village for nearby Stockport and Manchester. It is also a popular choice for those who wish to be situated between

Aug 10, 2010

Photos: 14

Marple & Marple Bridge, Cheshire - August 2010

Aug 10, 2010

Photos: 53

Graffham, Sussex - 6 May 2010

Graffham, in West Sussex, is a small village at the foot of the South Downs. The Camping and Caravanning Club have an excellent camp site here.

May 6, 2010

Photos: 23

West Dean Gardens. Sussex - 5 May 2010

The gardens at West Dean are set in the rolling hills of the South Downs, near Chichester, and surround an historic manor house, built in 1622. The house is now used for art courses.

May 5, 2010

Photos: 22

2010-05-03_06 Graffham

May 3, 2010

Photos: 10

2010-03-17 Shadbolt Park

Shadbolt Park. Shadbolt House and its grounds were purchased by the local council in 1937. The house is now a clinic and the grounds, which were planted as an arboretum, are now open to the public as Shadbolt Park.

Mar 17, 2010

Photos: 18

Shadbolt Park - The First Hints of Spring - 17 March 2010

Mar 17, 2010

Photos: 10

Lunch in Wimbledon - 13 March 2010

Lunch at the Côte Restaurant in Wimbledon Village, courtesy of Julie and Kevin

Mar 13, 2010

Photos: 2

Shadbolt Park - A little winter sunshine (2 March 2010)

Shadbolt House and its grounds were purchased by the local council in 1937. The house is now a clinic and the grounds, which were planted as an arboretum, are now open to the public as Shadbolt Park.

Mar 2, 2010

Photos: 13

Margate - 9 August 2009

Margate is a seaside resort town within the Thanet district of East Kent, England. It lies 38.1 miles (61.3 km) east-northeast of Maidstone, along the North Foreland of the coastline of the United Kingdom. The town's history is tied closely to the sea and it has a proud maritime tradition. Margate was a "limb" of Dover in the ancient confederation of the Cinque ports. It was added to the confederation in the 15th century. Margate has been a leading seaside resort for at least 250 years. Like its neighbour Ramsgate, it has been a traditional holiday destination for Londoners drawn to its sandy beaches. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margate)

Aug 9, 2009

Photos: 22

Blean Woods Nature Reserve - 8 August 2009

East Blean Woods is a nature reserve in Kent, England. The reserve covers 122 hectares of ancient semi-natural woodland situated on poorly drained London clay, with a small area of gravelly soil in the south. The underlying clay results in much surface water and mud in winter and wet summers. The soil is mostly fairly acid, as shown by the carpets of bluebells and patches of heather, but more alkaline elsewhere, with characteristic species such as spurge laurel, sanicle and common spotted-orchid. The wood has been heavily managed in the past as wood pasture and as a source for sweet chestnut coppice. When conditions are open, after the coppice is cut, much of the ground is colonised by common cow-wheat, which is the food plant of the caterpillar of the rare heath fritillary butterfly. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Blean_Woods)

Aug 8, 2009

Photos: 7

Dover - 7 August 2009

Dover is a town and major ferry port in the county of Kent, in South East England. It faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel. The town is the administrative centre of the Dover District. Its strategic position has always been evident throughout its history: archaeological finds have revealed that the area has always been a focus for peoples entering and leaving Britain, which continues to this day. Services related to the Port of Dover provide a great deal of the town’s employment, although many of the former ferry services have declined, meaning that unemployment tends to be higher than other parts of Kent.[citation needed] There was a military barracks in Dover, which was closed in 2007. Dover has a strong tourist base. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dover)

Aug 7, 2009

Photos: 13

Paddlesworth, Kent - 6 August 2009

Paddlesworth is a village located about 3 miles (4.8km) NNW of Folkestone in Kent, England, near Hawkinge. The Early Norman parish church is dedicated to St Oswald; and the public house is 'The Cat and Custard Pot' (http:\\www.catandcustardpot.co.uk). (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddlesworth,_Kent)

Aug 6, 2009

Photos: 7

Canterbury - 6 & 14 August 2009

Canterbury lies at the heart of the City of Canterbury, a local government district of Kent, in South East England. It lies on the River Stour. Thomas Becket's murder at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 led to the cathedral becoming a place of pilgrimage for Christians worldwide. This pilgrimage provided the theme for Geoffery Chaucer's 14th-century literary classic the Canterbury Tales. The literary heritage continued with the birth of the playwright Christopher Marlowe in the city in the 16th century. Many historical structures remain in the city, including a city wall founded in Roman times and rebuilt in the 14th century, the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey and a Norman castle, and perhaps the oldest school in England, The King's School. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canterbury)

Aug 6, 2009

Photos: 44

Ramsgate - 5 August 2009

Ramsgate is a seaside town on the Isle of Thanet in east Kent, England. It was one of the great English seaside towns of the 19th century and is a member of the ancient confederation of Cinque ports. It has a population of around 40,000. Ramsgate's main attraction is its coastline and its main industries are tourism and fishing. The town has one of the largest marinas on the English south coast and Port Ramsgate has provided cross channel ferries for many years. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsgate)

Aug 5, 2009

Photos: 17

Temple Ewell Country Park - 4 August 2009

Temple Ewell is an historic village and civil parish in the county of Kent, England. The village is part of the Dover district of Kent, and forms part of the Dover urban area, it is located three miles North West of the town of Dover itself. Situated in the Dour valley, Temple Ewell is surrounded by nature reserves and conservation areas. The village has a parish church, a village hall and a primary school. It also has a local shop and post office, and an 18th Century public house. The 2001 census records a population of 1,696 for Temple Ewell. (Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Ewell)

Aug 4, 2009

Photos: 18

Folkestone - August 2009

Folkestone is the principal town in the Shepway District of Kent, England. Its original site lay in a stream valley in the cliffs here; and its subsequent development was through fishing and its proximity to the Continent as a landing place and trading port. The coming of the railways and the building of a ferry port, together with its growing importance as a seaside resort led to further growth. Both the latter activities have been in decline of late; there are development plans to halt that decline. (Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folkestone)

Aug 3, 2009

Photos: 31

Morden Hall Park - 16 July 2009

Morden Hall Park is a National Trust park located on the banks of the river Wandle in Morden, south London. It covers over 50ha (125 acres) of parkland with the River Wandle meandering through it spanned by numerous foot bridges. The estate contains Morden Hall itself, Morden Cottage, an old Snuff Mill, and many old farm buildings, some of which are now a garden centre and a city farm. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morden_hall_park)

Jul 16, 2009

Photos: 16

Ewell Court Gardens - 9 July 2009

Ewell Court House, completed in 1879, was financed from the profits of gunpowder mills sited south of the Hogsmill River between 1754 and 1875 (the produce of which was said to have been used in the American Civil War). Ewell Court House and its grounds was purchased by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council on the2nd of March 1935 for £5,490. The house is currently used for weddings, receptions and functions. (Epsom and Ewell Borough Council - http://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/EEBC/Leisure+and+Culture/Ewell+Court+House/)

Jul 9, 2009

Photos: 20

Sandwich - 29 May 2009

Sandwich is a historic town in Kent, south-east England. It was one of the Cinque Ports and still has many original medieval buildings. While once a major port, it is now two miles from the sea, its historic centre preserved. Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich,_Kent

May 29, 2009

Photos: 36

Samphire Hoe, Dover - 29 May 2009

Samphire Hoe is a part of Kent, United Kingdom, consisting of reclaimed land made from 4.9 million cubic metres of chalk marl dug to create the Channel Tunnel deposited on the seaward side of the famous White cliffs of Dover. It is accessible by the public via single track tunnel controlled by traffic lights which crosses over the Kent Coast railway line. Visitor facilities are provided including car-parking, toilets and a cafe. The ecology of Samphire Hoe is very special and what is now chalk meadow-land is home to a number of nationally rare plant species including the Early Spider Orchid. Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samphire_Hoe

May 29, 2009

Photos: 9

Whitstable - 28 May 2009

Known as the "Pearl of Kent", Whitstable is famous for its oysters, which have been collected in the area since at least Roman times. The town itself dates back to before the writing of the Domesday Book. Whitstable's distinctive character and ambience is popular with tourists, and its maritime heritage is celebrated with the annual Oyster Festival in July. After a period of decline, the oyster fishery industry is now thriving again, and freshly caught shellfish are available throughout the year at several seafood restaurants and pubs in the town. Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitstable

May 28, 2009

Photos: 23

St Margaret's at Cliffe - 28 May 2009

St Margaret-at-Cliffe is a three part village situated just off the coast road between Deal and Dover in Kent, England. The heart of the village is about two miles (3 km) from the sea with the residential area of Nelson Park further inland and The Bay area situated along and below the cliffs. St. Margarets is the closest community in England to France. Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Margaret-at-Cliffe

May 28, 2009

Photos: 26

Walmer Castle - 27 May 2009

Walmer Castle was built by Henry VIII in 1539–1540 as an artillery fortress to counter the threat of invasion from Catholic France and Spain. It was one of three forts constructed to defend the Downs, an area of safe anchorage protected by the Goodwin Sands, in Kent, south east England. The other forts were at Deal and Sandown. In 1708 Walmer Castle took on a new role as the residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. The Cinque Ports Confederation originated in the 11th century when the five ports of Hastings, Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich joined forces to provide ships and men for the defence of the coast and protection of cross-channel trade. In return for these services they received substantial local privileges including immunity from all external courts of justice and from national taxation. In the 13th century the office of Warden was instituted to oversee and regulate the affairs of the Confederation. Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walmer_Castle

May 27, 2009

Photos: 54

Canterbury - 26 May 2009

The city is on the River Stour or Great Stour, flowing from its source at Lenham north-east through Ashford to the English Channel at Sandwich. The river divides south east of the city, one branch flowing though the city, the other around the position of the former walls. The two branches rejoin or are linked several times, but finally recombine around the town of Fordwich, on the edge of the marshland north east of the city. The Stour is navigable on the tidal section to Fordwich, although above this point canoes and other small craft can be used. Punts are available for hire in Canterbury. Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canterbury

May 26, 2009

Photos: 74

Folkestone - 25-29 May 2009

The town is situated at the foot of the North Downs, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the coast of France, a mere 24 miles (39 km) away. The area is a magnet for passing migrating birds and the Warren (woodlands adjoining Wear Bay) and the cliffs above are of particular interest during the spring and autumn periods. The Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Grounds Charities are lands which were donated to the people of Folkestone for perpetual recreational use by the Earls of Radnor during the 19th century. The lands are administered by Shepway District Council, with the Cabinet members forming the Board of Trustees. Previously, the Charter Trustees were also Trustees of the Charities, but that arrangement lapsed upon the parishing of the Folkestone and Sandgate area. Negotiations are ongoing regarding the transfer of the lands to Folkestone Town Council and Sandgate Parish Council. Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folkestone

May 25, 2009

Photos: 72

West Dean Gardens - 8 May 2009

The gardens at West Dean are set in the rolling hills of the South Downs, near Chichester, and surround an historic manor house, built in 1622. The house is now used for art courses.

May 8, 2009

Photos: 123

Around Graffham village - 7 May 2009

Graffham, in West Sussex, is a small village at the foot of the South Downs. The Camping and Caravanning Club have an excellent camp site here.

May 7, 2009

Photos: 33

Oxshott Heath - 2 May 2009

Oxshott Heath and Woods is an area of woods and heathland in Oxshott, Surrey, England covering approximately 200 acres[1] and having an interesting geology where the London Clay stratum meets the overlying sand stratum and emerges to the surface. This has created a sand escarpment, from which views to Box Hill (near Dorking) can be made out to the South. The top of the escarpment is also home to the war memorial. The area is part of Esher Commons and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. (Wikipedia)

May 2, 2009

Photos: 31

Ashtead Common - 1 May 2009

Ashtead Common is a 181 hectare wooded area to the north of the village of Ashtead in England which is open to the public. It is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation at no cost to the public. It forms part of a larger area of open countryside called Epsom and Ashtead Commons which is classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtead_Common)

May 1, 2009

Photos: 28

Wimbledon Common - 24 April 2009

Wimbledon and Putney Commons are a large open space in south-west London, totalling 1140 acres (4.6 km²). There are three distinct segments -- Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath, and Putney Lower Common. The last is separated from the rest of the Common by about 1.5 miles (2.4km) of built-up area. The Commons are legally protected by the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act of 1871 from being enclosed or built upon. They are for the benefit of local people for informal recreation and the preservation of natural flora and fauna. The Commons are the largest expanse of heathland in the London area. There is an area of bog with unique flora. The western slopes, which lie on London Clay, support mature mixed woodland. The Commons are also a flagship site for the stag beetle. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wimbledon_Common)

Apr 24, 2009

Photos: 20

Morden Hall Park - 23 April 2009

Apr 23, 2009

Photos: 31

Cannon Hill Common - 22 April 2009

Cannon Hill Common is an open space in south-west London. It is situated near Raynes Park and Morden. It is also the location of a local nature reserve.

Apr 22, 2009

Photos: 23

Lilac Blossom - April 2009

Apr 21, 2009

Photos: 3

River Thames at Kingston - 18 April 2009

Kingston upon Thames is the principal settlement of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in south-west London. It was the ancient market town where Saxon kings were crowned and is now a suburb situated 10 miles (16.1 km) south west of Charing Cross. Kingston was built at the first crossing point of the Thames upstream from London Bridge and a bridge still exists at the same site. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingston-Upon-Thames)

Apr 18, 2009

Photos: 15

Wimbledon Common - 8 April 2009

Apr 8, 2009

Photos: 12

Nonsuch Park, Cheam - 7 April 2009

Nonsuch Park is a public park between Stoneleigh, North Cheam, Cheam, and Ewell and the last surviving part of the Little Park of Nonsuch, a deer hunting park established by Henry VIII of England surrounding the former Nonsuch Palace. The western regions of the larger adjacent Great Park of Nonsuch, became known as Worcester Park after the 4th Earl of Worcester was appointed Keeper of the Great Park in 1606. The north eastern boundary of the park is formed by Stane Street a Roman road. The park contains The Mansion House, home to Thomas Whately who wrote Observations on Modern Gardening, illustrated by descriptions (London, 1770). The house is Grade II listed by English Heritage. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonsuch_Park)

Apr 7, 2009

Photos: 6

Spring Comes to Horton Country Park - 6th April 2009

Horton Country Park is a wooded walk area situated in the area between Chessington Road, Horton Lane and Rushett Lane near Epsom, Surrey. Part of the area is occupied by Horton Park Children's Farm. The Horton Light Railway used to run through this land from Ewell West railway station to the many psychiatric hospitals owned by the London County Council that once existed in the area, known as he Epsom Cluster. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horton_Country_Park)

Apr 6, 2009

Photos: 15

Around Tower Bridge - 6th March 2009

Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England, over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name. It has become an iconic symbol of London. Tower Bridge is one of several London bridges owned and maintained by the City Bridge Trust, a charitable trust overseen by the City of London Corporation. The bridge consists of two towers which are tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways which are designed to withstand the horizontal forces exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge to the left and the right. The vertical component of the forces in the suspended sections and the vertical reactions of the two walkways are carried by the two robust towers. The bascule pivots and operating machinery are housed in the base of each tower. (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_bridge)

Mar 6, 2009

Photos: 26

Profile Photos

Album for profile photos

Feb 18, 2009

Photos: 1

Snow Scenes in Worcester Park, Surrey - 2nd February 2009

Heavy snowfall in Worcester Park, Surrey. Between 6 and 8 inches (15-20cm) of snow fell overnight, the heaviest fall I've seen in over 30 years in this spot. Traffic came to a halt for most of the day.

Feb 1, 2009

Photos: 24

London Christmas Lights - 19th December 2008

Pictures of the Christmas lights in London's West End (Regent Street and Oxford Street).

Dec 19, 2008

Photos: 33

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