MOVING ONWARDS

After leaving Holy Island, we are heading towards Banbury with just a couple of stops on the way. A quick stop for coffee in Alnwick, Northumberland, a visit to the famous Fountains Abbey (next post) and a night at the Station Hotel in Birstwith, North Yorkshire.

Entrance to Greenwell Lane, Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, England UK


The George, 63 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, England UK


Robertson’s Fountain, Cobbles, Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, England UK

Minor Image 1     <><><><>     Minor Image 2


Pauperhaugh Bridge, River Coquet, Pauperhaugh, Longframlington, Northumberland, England UK

This is an old bridge built by the Duke of Northumberland and then adopted by the County in 1888. With its five stone arches is one of the most attractive on the Coquet and is a Grade II Listed Building.

During the months of October and November when the Coquet is in full spate,  the salmon and sea trout leaping onto the stone apron and swimming with grim deternination upstream to their spawning beds can be witnessed.


Sheep, River Coquet, Pauperhaugh, Longframlington, Northumberland, England UK


River Coquet, Pauperhaugh, Longframlington, Northumberland, England UK


Church of St Mary, Studley Royal, Chair Walk, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England UK

The Church of St Mary, Studley Royal, is a Victorian Gothic Revival church built in the Early English style. It is located in the grounds of Studley Royal Park at Fountains Abbey, in North Yorkshire, England. It was commissioned by the 1st Marquess of Ripon as a memorial church to Frederick Grantham Vyner, his brother-in-law. It is one of two such churches, the other being the Church of Christ the Consoler at Skelton-on-Ure.

Frederick Vyner had been murdered by Greek bandits in 1870 in an event known as the Dilessi massacre. A significant ransom had been demanded, and in part collected, before his death. His mother, Lady Mary Vyner, and his sister, Lady Ripon, used the unspent ransom to build the two churches in his memory.


Pheasant, Fountains Abbey Grounds, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England UK


Majestic Tree, Fountains Abbey Grounds, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England UK


The Bar, The Station Hotel, Birstwith, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England UK


First View of The Abbey, Fountains Abbey, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England UK


INCHCOLM ISLAND VISIT

A day outing while in South Queensferry is to take the tour boat from Hawes Pier (right outside our hotel) to Inchcolm Island in the Firth of Forth.

The island has been the subject of raids by the British during Scotland Wars of Independence and more recently fortified as defence for Edinburgh in both World Wars. This post covers the trip to and from the island and a view of some of the defensive positions.


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Tugboats, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

These tugs service the shipping attending the nearby “Hound Point” oil facility.

Corringham     (top)      Hopetoun     (bottom)


Hound Point Oil Terminal, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Hound Point is a marine terminal off a rocky headland of that name on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, Scotland, just east of the Forth Bridge at South Queensferry. Built by BP and opened in 1975, it is owned and operated by Ineos as an oil-export terminal for North Sea oil and is the largest such facility in Scotland. It is supposedly named for the legend of a hound who howled after its master died in the crusades.


Hound Point Oil Terminal & Forth Rail Bridge, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK


Gnome Rock, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK


Old Dock, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK


Bay, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK


Towards Edinburgh, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK


Rock Strewn Beach, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK


Rocky Hillside, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK


Pathway to Wartime Defence Positions, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK


Tunnel Remains, Middle Defences, Inchcolm, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK


Wartime Fortifications, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK


Seals, Navigation Buoy 17, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK


Below the Bridges, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Queensferry Crossing      Forth Road Bridge     Forth Rail Bridge


Queensferry Crossing Bridge, Firth of Forth, Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

This is the second road bridge to cross The Firth of Forth and was opened in 2017.


Forth Road Bridge, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The Forth Road Bridge is a suspension bridge in east central Scotland. The bridge opened in 1964 and at the time was the longest suspension bridge in the world outside the United States. The bridge spans the Firth of Forth, connecting Edinburgh, at South Queensferry, to Fife, at North Queensferry. It replaced a centuries-old ferry service to carry vehicular traffic, cyclists and pedestrians across the Forth; railway crossings are made by the nearby Forth Bridge, opened in 1890.


Forth Rail Bridge Pylon, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Coloured                                            Black & White


SOUTH QUEENSFERRY

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Firth of Forth Bridges, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The “Forth Rail Bridge” on the right, was opened in 1890 and is a UNESCO Wold Heritage site. The “Forth Road Bridge” the central bridge was opened 1963 and the newest bridge is “Queensferry Crossing” which opened in 2017 and is on the far left.

South Queensferry Lighthouse, Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

A category B listed building since 1971, it was built by the Scottish civil engineer John Rennie in 1812, probably in collaboration with Robert Stevenson of Bell Rock fame, and is contemporary with the pier itself (also a Rennie work). It was a beacon to guide the ferry which operated between Hawes Pier and North Queensferry before being made redundant by the construction of the Forth Road Bridge in 1964.

Rusted Mooring Ring, Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Hawes Pier, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The pier was also constructed by Rennie in 1812.

Old Roadside Marker, Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Former ‘Seals Craig Hotel‘, 23 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Doors of South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Brass Plate, Vennel Kirk, The Vennel, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The church has now been converted to a private residence.


Masonic Lodge & South Queensferry Mosaic Mural, The Vennel & Hawthorn Bank, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The first school in Queensferry was at the top end of the churchyard of the Old Parish Church in the Vennel. In July 1671, it was decided to build a school using local stonework, at the south end of churchyard. The school was ready for occupancy in 1672 and still stands today as the Masonic Lodge.

Residential Block, Brewery Close, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Jubliee Clock Tower from The Loan, South Queensferry, West Lothian. Scotland UK



“Loan House”, 10 The Loan, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Category B Listed Building
The property fell vacant in the later 20th century and was gutted by fire in 1987. In 1990 the building was restored, with the addition of a north wing, by Douglas Abrahams and Partners for use as offices. As a result of the fire the original interior was lost and the interior of the building had to be rebuilt. Now Scottish Motor Trading Association Offices.

“Priory Lodge”, 8 The Loan, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Category c Listed Building – 19th century gothic. This house is the only example of this style in the town centre.

Plewlands House, Cnr The Loan & Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Plate – The National Trust for Scotland

Door – Marriage Lintel

The inscription above the door reads :-

[SPES MEA CHRISTUS, ‘Christ is my Hope’, and an anchor which indicates the occupation of the owner of the house. SW-AP were carved in relief with the year of the building, 1641.]

C.1641 – See its history here!


Priory Church of St Mary of Mount Carmel, Cnr Rose Lane & Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Now a grade A listed building, the Priory Church is the only Carmelite foundation in the British Isles still in use for regular worship, out of the 12 founded in Scotland and the 39 in England.
George, the Laird of Dundas, invited the Carmelite Friars to come and settle in Queensferry around 1330. They were in temporary buildings until a century later. Architectural style suggests this was built no earlier than 1457.

Door Knocker, Priory Church of St Mary of Mount Carmel, Cnr Rose Lane & Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK


“1884”, Rose Lane, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Unfortunately I have not been able to find any information to identify this symbol. It does look like what may have been an early Masonic Symbol.

Bellstane Bird, Bellstane, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Bellstane takes its name from the ringing of the bell which was rung to tell people the market was about to start. The actual bell is now in Queensferry museum.


Harbour Lane, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Bay View, Gote Lane, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Forth Rail Bridge, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Slipway, Gote Lane, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Dedication Plaque, Rosebery Hall, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK


Memorial to John Reid, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Inscription:- In Memory Of
John Reid
Provost of the Burgh
Of South Queensferry
1884 – 1899

Waterside Residential, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

“Black Castle”, 43 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Category “A” Listed Building c. 1626. In 1626 mariner and explorer Willam Lowrie built the house for him and his wife Marion Speddie to live in and it is believed that the home would have originally been sandstone in colour. The name was most likely adopted during the “Witch Hunts” of the 1640s.

Scrolls, “Black Castle”, 43 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The upper floor of Black Castle has 3 sets of windows, each with carvings and scroll details. The eaves above two of the dormer windows bear the date of construction (1626), along with Lowrie’s and Speddie’s initials. (WL – MS)

See a history surrounding its macabre story.

Old Well Head, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

A site where locals were able to draw water

Door Steps, Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Belhaven Sign, Anchor Inn, Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Interior scenes of Hawes Inn, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

“Weihenstephan”, Orocco Pier Hotel, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

ARRIVED AT SOUTH QUEENSFERRY, SCOTLAND

We reached our destination of The Hawes Inn under the famous Forth Rail Bridge, late afternoon and immediately went walking about. We spent a couple of hours here back in 2016 on a previous trip and were keen to take a better look over the place.

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 The Hawes Inn, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Formerly known as the Newhalls Inn, this is a category ‘B’ listed building with several additions and alterations over the years. It was certainly renamed the ‘Hawes Inn’ by 1886. In fact evidence shows that in the book “Duncan’s Itinerary of Scotland 1820” it is listed as “The Hawes Inn” then.
​The Hawes Inn, 7 Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, is a late 17th century Coaching Inn, with a date stone [Marriage Lintel] on the south east wall which says JS- 1638- BB, taken from the old house, Newhalls (no information on the ‘old house’ as yet). These initials are believed to be merchant John Smith, and his wife Bessie Bathgate. During the eighteenth-century, the inn was used as a change house for stagecoaches using the Newhalls Ferry and the adjacent ‘Hawes Garage’ used to be the stables and coach-house.

Rear of The Hawes Inn, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
The Hawes Inn & Firth of Forth Rail Bridge, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
Stone Window Frame [1893], The Hawes Inn, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
Pub Sign, The Hawes Inn, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
The Hawes Inn at Night, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
The Hawes Inn Sign at Night, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
      Firth of Forth Rail Bridge, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Construction of the bridge began in 1882 and it was opened on 4 March 1890 by the Duke of Rothesay, the future Edward VII. The bridge carries the Edinburgh–Aberdeen line across the Forth between the villages of South Queensferry and North Queensferry and has a total length of 8,094 feet (2,467 m). When it opened it had the longest single cantilever bridge span in the world, until 1919 when the Quebec Bridge in Canada was completed. It continues to be the world’s second-longest single cantilever span, with a span of 1,709 feet (521 m). Completed in 1890, it is considered a symbol of Scotland (having been voted Scotland’s greatest man-made wonder in 2016), and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designed by English engineers Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker. It is sometimes referred to as the Forth Rail Bridge (to distinguish it from the adjacent Forth Road Bridge), although this is not its official name.

Award Plaques, Firth of Forth Rail Bridge, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

 Stone Pylons, Firth of Forth Rail Bridge, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
 Forth Road Bridges, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The bridge in the foreground is the oldest opening in 1964 and the background bridge opened in 2017. It is a  1.7 miles (2.7km) structure & the longest 3-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. It is also by far the largest to feature cables which cross mid-span. When we passed here in 2016 it was still under construction.

  “Thirty Knots” Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
 The Ferry Tap, 36 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The building was erected in 1683 states the plaque on the wall and was originally a house. When it became an ‘Inn’ is unknown so far. There is no mention of it in the early census information for Queensferry. The first information found is in the 1881 census, when, as a hotel, it was named the ‘Prince of Wales’ until pre March 1890. When the future King Edward VII opened the magnificent Forth Rail Bridge in March 1890, the hotel’s name was changed to ​‘The Forth Bridge Hotel’. The Hotel suffered a fire in 1907 and it had to be rebuilt. Jessie Mackenzie was proprietor at this time. There was another fire in 1976, remembered by locals, and it was closed for a while. The new owner, Neil Waterman re-opened it as a public house with the rooms upstairs converted into flats.
Later it was renamed ‘The Forth Bridges’ and with another later name change it became ‘The Ferry Tap’.

Anchor Inn, 10 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

It is believed to be the oldest “Pub” in Queensferry (not being a “hotel”), and is definitely the smallest ‘pub’ in Queensferry, a traditional village pub.

 “Black Castle”, 43 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Category “A” Listed Building c. 1626. In 1626 mariner and explorer Willam Lowrie built the house for him and his wife Marion Speddie to live in and it is believed that the home would have originally been sandstone in colour. The name was most likely adopted during the “Witch Hunts” of the 1640s.

See a history surrounding its macabre story.

Old Buildings in East Terrace, Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

East Terrace is a roadway above the Edinburgh Road. The steps seen above lead to it.

Edinburgh Road to Former 'Seals Craig Hotel', 23 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
Former 'Seals Craig Hotel', 23 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
Doorway of Former 'Seals Craig Hotel', 23 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Category “C” Listed Building. c.1870

Orocco Pier Bar & Restaurant, 17 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

South Queensferry Tollbooth, 19 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

History of this building:   The building incorporates The Jubilee Clock Tower & Roseberry Hall.

Stone Steps, Tolbooth, 19 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Plewlands House, Cnr The Loan & Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

This another property with a history. Unfortunately I did not photography the great Marriage on the doorway but see it here in Google Street View.

History is here:

See also:   Image 1 … & …   Image 2

Memorial to John Reid, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

In Memory Of
John Reid
Provost of the Burgh
Of South Queensferry
1884 – 1899

"Craig View", 5 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
Old Street Sign, Newhalls Road-Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

KIRKBY STEPHEN to HAYDON BRIDGE – 2023

Lunch was at Kirkby Stepehen and then on to Haydon Bridge

“Mango Tree” Indian Restaurant, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England UK

The Cloisters, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England UK

This is the entrance to St Stephen’s Church

Churchyard Gate, St Stephen’s Church, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England UK

St Stephen’s Church, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England UK

Church of England (probably dedicated to more than one saint originally).
Rebuilt c1230 with later additions and alterations.

War Memorial, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England UK

Kirkby Stephen War Memorial commemorates 48 local servicemen who fell in the First World War and 12 men who fell in the Second World War. Dedicated 8 July 1920 & again 11 March 1967 following damage caused by a severe storm in 1966.

Harthope Quarry, Harthope Road, Ireshopeburn, Bishop Auckland , County Durham, England UK

The Bar, Railway Hotel, Church Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

“Tyneview”, 2 Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Colour Image …………… Black & White Image

The General Havelock, Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Originally called The Three Tuns, an 18c building it was renamed the General Havelock Inn after the Indian Army Major General Sir Henry Havelock and is now a famous restaurant.

Alley, Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UKMr George’s Museum Of Time, Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland England UK

Residential Block, Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Read the Blue Plaque:
Old Bridge, River South Tyne, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

The first bridge at Haydon Bridge was built in around 1309, but following the flood of 1771, it had to be rebuilt in 1776. Following structural surveys it ceased to be used by cars and converted to footbridge use only in 1970. It is listed as a Grade II building by Historic England

This now a dedicated pedestrian bridge.

River South Tyne, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

North Bank, River South Tyne, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Archway, Shaftoe’s Guest House, Shaftoe Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

The Anchor Hotel, John Martin Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Rear Gate, “Labuan” Cottage, John Martin Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

The Railway Hotel, Church Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

This is where we spent a few nights whilst in Haydon Bridge

War Memorial, Church Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Dedicated 21 September 1921

St Cuthbert’s Church, Church Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Grade II Listed Building. The church was erected by the Greenwich Hospital Commissioners in 1796. The north transept was added in 1869 to accommodate children from the Shaftoe Trust School.

HEBDEN BRIDGE – I

After Liverpool we head for a place called Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire.

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Valley View, Halifax Road, Littleborough, West Yorkshire, England UK

Farm Gate & Wall, Blackstone Edge Road, Cragg Vale, West Yorkshire, England UK

Boundary Stone, Blackstone Edge Road, Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

“SB” is thought to refer to either Sowerby or Soyland.

Moor, Blackstone Edge Road, Cragg Vale, West Yorkshire, England UK

Image 1     –     Image 2

St George’s Bridge, St George’s Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

IImage 1     –     Image 2

A cast iron bridge that is Grade II listed – built in 1892.

[Our room]

White Lion, Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

The pub is Grade II listed and dated to 1657. It is reputedly the oldest building in Hebden Bridge

“Il Mulino” Restaurant Entrance, Bridge Mill, St George’s Square, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

The restaurant is located in the old Bridge Mill.

Stone Marker, St George’s Square, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Image 1     –     Image 2

The inscription on the stone :- “Hebden Bridge centre of the universe!”

Adorned Gate, Old Lees Yard, St George’s Square, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Hebden Old Bridge, Hebden Water, Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

The bridge is another Grade II listed building having originated as a timber structure in medieval times and stone built in 1510 as a packhorse bridge.

Hebden Water, Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

“The Pub”, The Courtyard, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

a.k.a. “The Hebden”

The Vault, Cnr New Road & Crown Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Crown Inn, Cnr Crown & Cheetham Streets, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

As can be seen above the sign, the building was formerly The Civic Hall

Former Bank, Jcn Hope & Albert Streets, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Citroën 2CV ‘Fourgonnette’ Van, Albert Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Gantry Bridge, Carlton Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Oxford House, Albert Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Door Knocker, 5 Albert Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Former Croft Mill, Croft Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Bridge Mill, St George’s Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Also a Grade II listed building dating to 1830

Town Hall, St George’s Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Millennium Clock, St George’s Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

The Millennium Clock was installed into what was then Thompson Solicitors’ building on St George’s Street, Hebden Bridge in 2000 AD. Funds to pay for the clock were paid by public subscription and presented to the town by the Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge.

Drinks, White Lion, Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Hebden Water, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Image 1     –     Image 2

This was just outside our room at the White Lion

Gate Door, Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Pub Sign, Shoulder of Mutton, St George’s Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Street Sign, Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Doorway, Hebble House, Royd Terrace, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Dining Area, White Lion, Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

Passage, White Lion, Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England UK

SPAIN 2023 – X

We took the tourist bus to see Toledo and then drove to some outlying areas.


Capilla de la Estación de Tren de Toledo, Paseo de la Rosa, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
(Train station chapel)



Puente de Alcántara, River Tagus, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Built in the 3rd century by the Romans

Ruinas del Convento de Dominicos de San Pablo del Granadal, Avenida de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Nuevo Puente de Alcántara, River Tagus, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Alcázar de Toledo, Calle de la Union, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Alcázar is a stone fortress located in the upper part of Toledo, Spain. Formerly used as a Roman palace in the 13th century, it was restored under Charles I and his son Philip II of Spain in the 1640s. Now it is a wonderful military-historical museum.

Old Riverside Buildings, River Tagus, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

City View, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain


City & River Tagus, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Parque de La Vega, Calle de Alfonso VI, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Puerta de Bisagra, Calle Real del Arrabal, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Constructed in the 10th century, in the time of the Moorish Taifa of Toledo in Islamic Al-Andalus. It is also called ‘Bisagra Antigua’ to distinguish it from the Puerta de Bisagra Nueva which was built in 1559. The gate was the main entrance to the city and dates from the Moorish period.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Calle Real, Nambroca, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain


Ermita del Cristo de las Aguas, Calle Cristo, Nambroca, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Calle del General Fernández Medrano, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Hostal Restaurante Asiático Agripino, Plaza Madrid, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
A Chinese restaurant in Spain

Ayuntamiento de Mora, Plaza Constitución, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
The town hall


Bell Tower, Parroquia de Santa María de Altagracia, Plaza Constitución, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Street Lamp, Calle Leandro Nvarro, More, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Tiled Mosaic Crest, Plaza de Communeros, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Spanish Civil War Memorial, Parroquia de Santa María de Altagracia, Plaza Castilla-La Mancha, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Church Doorway, Parroquia de Santa María de Altagracia, Plaza Castilla-La Mancha, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Window, Ayuntamiento de Mora, Plaza Constitución, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Entrance, Ayuntamiento de Mora, Plaza Constitución, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Glorieta de Eusebio Méndez, Calle General Fernández Medrano. Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Avenue, Glorieta de Eusebio Méndez, Calle General Fernández Medrano. Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

SPAIN 2023 – VIII

We leave Barcelona and drive to Zaragoza, the capital of Spain’s Aragon Region.


Las Arenas, Plaça Espanya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

It opened on June 29, 1900, and its last bullfight was held on June 19, 1977. The building was reopened in 2011 as a shopping mall named Arenas de Barcelona.


Cervera, Lleida, Catalonia, SpainConvent Església de Sant Francesc, Raval Sant Francesc d’Asís, Cervera, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain

The first news of the convent dates from 1235, but the works begin in 1245, taking advantage of a donation of land by King James I. The royal donations followed during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, from the reign of Alfonso the Liberal to the of Peter the Ceremony. In the late 15th century, after the destruction of the convent due to the. civil war de Joan II was asked for help from Pope Alexander XVI, the Roderic Valencian of Borja. The pope attended to the request for help and of this was the master builder Joan Smurfet.  With the confiscation of 1835, the convent passed into private hands and became a cotton factory and later a farm.


Rental Car, VW T-Roc, Avinguda de Tàrrega, Cervera, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain


Iglesia de Santo Tomás de Aquino, Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

c.1736


Mercado Central (Central Market), Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Monumento a César Augusto, Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

This sculpture was a gift to the city by Benito Mussolini


Historical Roman Ruins, Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


“Puente de Santiago”, River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Santiago Bridge


Torre de San Francisco de Borja, Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, SpainDoorways, Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Domes, Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Construction of the basilica was begun in 1680


Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge) River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain“Cutwaters”, Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge) River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Pillars of Lions, Puente de Piedra, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Also known as “The Bridge of Lions” since 1991 when four lions were placed on the pillars at each end of the bridge.

Cross in memory of Basilio Boggiero, Santiago de Sas and the Baron de Warsage, Puente de Piedra, River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Cross in Memory of those Killed during the War of Independence –  erected in 1908 on the centenary. Also known as Cruiz Basilio – Basil’s Cross

Walkway, Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge) River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Puente de Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Puente de Hierro), River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Puente de Hierro – Iron Bridge
Puente de Nuestra Señora del Pilar – Bridge of Our Lady of the Pillar


Street Lamp & Sign, Calle de Florencio Jardiel, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Torreon de la Zuda, Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Formerly part of the ancient palace of The Zuda, a Muslim fortress.


Iglesia de San Juan de Panetas, Plaza de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Completed in 1725


Doorway of Palacio de los Sora, Calle Salduba, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

This was transferred stone by stone from the demolition of the Sora house, which was located in the area where Calle de San Vicente de Paúl was opened.


Mural, Plaza del Pilar, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Tower, Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Closed Shades, La Imperial, Plaza de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Policia Nacional, Calle Salduba, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Street Lamps & Signs, Cnr Calle de la Manifestación & Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Plaza de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Streets at Night, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Signs, Gallagher Irish Tavern, Calle de las Murallas Romanas, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Towers, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


London, United Kingdom 2019 XII

My last day in London involved walking to Hammersmith Bridge and then alongside the Thames River to Albert Bridge and return. Quite a walk I can tell you!

(Remember – all photos will open in a separate window and all photos are geotagged)


“COFX” Coffee Shop, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London, England UK


Chapel, Fulham Cemetery, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith


Victorian Residences, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith


Victorian Residential Properties, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith

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Most of these properties appear to be upstairs and downstairs flats. They are valued in the vicinity of £650k each. Properties here are:

Berkley House
Selbourne House
Beaufort House
Sutherland House
Shaftesbury House
Salisbury House


Kings Arms, 425 New Kings Road, Fulham

Once known as “Larrik Inn”


The Temperance Pub & Kitchen, 90 Fulham High Street, Fulham


War Memorial, All Saints Church Grounds, Pryors Bank, Bishops Park, Fulham

War Memorial Sculptor: Alfred Turner


All Saints Church, Pryors Bank, Bishops Park, Fulham


Putney Bridge & River Thames, Fulham


Bridge Lamps, Putney Bridge, Fulham


Hopper Barge ACB Phoebe, River Thames, Putney

Hopper barges used to safely transport the spoil excavation from the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, a 25 km super sewer running mostly under the tidal section of the River Thames across Inner London to capture, store and convey almost all the raw sewage and rainwater that currently overflows into the Thames.


St Mary’s Church, Putney High Street, Putney, London, England UK


The White Lion, Putney High Street, Putney

Grade II Listed public house built in 1887. It later became a Slug and Lettuce chain pub, then The Litten Tree, then a Walkabout chain pub, then Wahoo, a sports bar. As of June 2019, it has been empty for over six years.


War Memorial, Putney High Street, Putney


The Boathouse, Brewhouse Lane, Putney


River Access, River Thames, Putney


Putney Bridge, River Thames, Putney


Fulham Railway Bridge, River Thames, Putney


“Motherfigure” by Alan Thornhill, Deodar Road, Putney


Yellow House, Deodar Road, Putney


“ER VII” Mailbox, Deodar Road, Putney


Thornhill House, 78 Deodar Road, Putney

Recently on the market for Guide price £2,650,000 (See Advertisement)


Wandsworth Park, Putney Bridge Road, Wandsworth


Battersea Bridge, River Thames, Battersea

In 1879 the original and dangerous wooden bridge was taken into public ownership, and in 1885 demolished and replaced with the existing bridge, designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette the man responsible for the revolutionary London Sewer system. . It is the narrowest surviving road bridge over the Thames in London, it is one of London’s least busy Thames bridges. The location on a bend in the river makes the bridge a hazard to shipping, and it has been closed many times due to collisions.


Albert Bridge, River Thames, Battersea

This Grade II Listed bridge crosses over the Tideway of the River Thames connecting Chelsea in Central London on the north, left bank to Battersea on the south. It was built as a toll bridge and operated as such for 6 years.

The toll booths are the only surviving booths in London today.