I suspect a tile may have been dislodged in the squally April showers. We went out for a wander into the village of Staindrop. You think that’s an unusual name! Tomorrow we are off to Haltwhistle. I was sure I had reset the camera from video mode…………..we all know what thought did………Stupid old codger! Two thirds of todays images were shot wide open at f2.8. The best is……. I can’t tell!
We walked the couple of miles into the village and got seriously wet. Top half was okay but I forgot to check that the waterproof trousers were still in the rucksack. Definitely a case of water in the brain.
The medieval church of Saint Mary the Virgin Staindrop. I really want to get inside this building but it was service time and I didn’t think they would appreciate me flashing in there whilst they were partaking of the Eucharist.
Another aspect of the same building taken a couple of minutes later. Begs the question….Who was the architect for the extension? Or the inspiration for it?………Don’t waste those windows…….bung them in there, save a fortune. God looks down not sideways.
Yet another view. A serious bit of ecclesiastical architecture.
The backs of houses from the grave yard. I know what you are thinking………….Wimp! It’s a grand morning……
My favourite image………….Here comes the rain again. The Ol Main Drag or the A688 as the Highways Authority pedestrianly call it. Two song titles for one piccy! That’s all right.
I snapped this not as an example of Georgian architecture nor for the four by fours. if you enlarge it you will see the upper windows are plaster and paint………….brilliant!! I just wish I could tell you why. I suspect it was a joke at the expense of excise men who used to wander about taxing windows.
County Durham is or it’s people are quite rightly proud of their village greens. This village has one of the best.
Despite a good soaking or three I enjoyed this morning. A walk and wander is always good for the soul.
I am hoping there will be internet this week. It’s wildlife heaven is Haltwhistle. Have a grand week whatever you are up to and be good.
All images are HDR. Pushed and shoved for contrast and sharpened in Photoshop, as usual they will enlarge with a click.
Painted windows - not a joke but a serious avoidance of the old window tax - shhhh, don't remind the ConDems there is something not taxed today! There is an old manor house not far from me which has one painted window, very hard to spot unless you take a long look at it.
ReplyDeleteI love those old church buildings. They have real character unlike the modern carbuncles - all glass and no soul.
In fact a grand set of photos all round today.
I notice daffodils in bloom, and the lawns actually looking green - if you have not tampered with the colour... Our lawns still seem dead after having been covered by frost and snow since October and I'm guessing it will be a month yet before we see daffodils like that. - I quite like the 'backyard' picture. Those old headstones look very thin? and rather haphazard somhow...
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant village, church, gravestones and the Green. I think that they are proud of their villages. Excellent photos.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I've seen windows bricked or stoned up before but never painted. It is just great. I love churches. Was going the extra mile to Raby Castle today but it was cold and wet. I'll pop back.
ReplyDeleteMonica, I have tampered with colour, all these images are exposure blended and tone mapped. The daffodils, daisies and the odd buttercup are all coming out. Some folk are already grass cutting.
They are thin. Many fall over. If you look at the first picture they have all been laid flat.
Bob, It is an excellent place. Thanks.
Really enjoyed looking at these, and especially all the references to windows! I found this site of a person who mentions some interesting details about the church:
ReplyDeletehttp://rootingforancestors.blogspot.com/2009/02/st-marys-staindrop-home-church-of.html
Glo, pity I only did half the job. Thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteI've lost count of the number of times that I have driven through here and not stopped through lack of time because of a more distant destination.... I am ashamed of myself. In fact the only times I have stopped was to have afternoon tea at The Country Tea shop... the embarrassment of it !
ReplyDeleteThe buildings and green are marvellous as you demonstrate and that is one wacky church extension. You inspire me once again... I will start a list from now that will also include Dent.
Jay, It is a fine little town. I must get inside the church then I'll be happy.
ReplyDelete