Tag: Ruins

ITALY – PISA III

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Birthplace of Vincenzo Galilei at the junction of Via Mercanti & Borgo Stretto in Pisa, Italy

Vincenzo Galilei (3 April 1520, c. 1520, or late 1520s – buried 1 or 2 July 1591) was an Italian lutenist, composer, and music theorist, and the father of astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilei and the lute virtuoso and composer Michelagnolo Galilei. He was a seminal figure in the musical life of the late Renaissance and contributed significantly to the musical revolution which demarcates the beginning of the Baroque era.

In his study of pitch and string tension, Galilei produced perhaps the first non-linear mathematical description of a natural phenomenon known to history. It was an extension of a Pythagorean tradition but went beyond it. Many scholars credit him with directing the activity of his son away from pure, abstract mathematics and towards experimentation using mathematical quantitative description of the results, a direction of utmost importance for the history of physics and natural science.

Originally built from 1440 & reconstructed after taking damage, this fortress now houses a garden

Inscription:

A ULISSE DINI
MATEMATICO INSIGNE
ONORE DELLO STUDIO PISANO
GLORIA D’ITALIA
CITTADINO BENEMERITO
PISA RICONOSCENTE
1845-1918».

Translation:

TO ULISSE DINI
NOTABLE MATHEMATICIAN
HONOR OF PISAN STUDY
GLORY OF ITALY
WORTHY CITIZEN
GRATITUDE OF PISA
1845-1918

Part of the Museo delle Sinopie used as the ticket office for the attractions.

Constructed in 1278, the Camposanto was established to safeguard the burial sarcophagi that were in the Cathedral in a new building. As such, it has a collection of sarcophagi from Roman, medieval, and Renaissance times. It is decorated with an amazing collection of frescoes that you can see reconstructed in pictures in the museum. It was one of the first burial structures that became a museum.

Taken from the upper dome of the Baptistery.

This pulpit dating to 1310, survived a fire in 1595. Having been packed away during the redecoration, it was not rediscovered and restored until 1926. The pulpit is supported by plain columns (two of which are mounted on lion’s sculptures) on one side and by caryatids and a telamon on the other: the latter represent Saint Michael, the Evangelists, the four cardinal virtues flanking the church, and a bold, naturalistic depiction of a naked Hercules. A central plinth with the liberal arts supports the four theological virtues.

The present-day pulpit is a reconstruction of the original. It does not lie in its original position, which was nearer the main altar, and the columns and panels are not original. The original stairs (perhaps of marble) were lost.

Construction began on 17 April 1565 in order to build a church for the Order of Knights of St Stephan, founded by the Grand Duke Cosimo de’ Medici to fight Saracen piracy in the Mediterranean.

A long history dating to1061 but is now the official church of the University of Pisa.

Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo bought this tower in 1785 and merged a new bell by Alessandro Tognozzi to mark the hours of study for the students of the University, starting at 7.30 in the morning.

The bell was inscribed:-

Audite disciplinam et et estote sapientes.

Translated:- Hear instruction and be wise.

Cassetta Per le Lettere = Mailbox

ITALY – PISA II

Ruins of Largo del Parlascio, Largo Parlascio, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Porta a Lucca, Largo Parlascio, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Monument to Paolo Savi, Orto e Museo Botanico, Via Roma, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

26-28 Via Santa Maria, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Dingy Lane, Via Santa Maria, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Across the River Arno, Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Ponte Solferino, River Arno, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

River Arno, Ponte Solferino, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Vicolo del Ricciardi, Lungarno Gambacorti, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

[“Vicolo” = Alley]

Vicolo del Mecherini, Lungarno Gambacorti, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Lungarno Gambacorti, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Ponte Mezzo, River Arno, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Palazzo Pretorio, Piazza XX Settembre, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Logge dei Banchi, Piazza XX Settembre, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

River Arno, Ponte di Mezzo, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Palazzo Pretorio (L) & Logge dei Banchi(R), Piazza XX Settembre, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Alfresco Dining, Vicolo del Vigna, LLungarno Antonio Pacinotti, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Cinema Lumiere, Vicolo del Tidi, Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Shutter of Closed Shop, Via Bernardo Tanucci, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Via Santa Maria, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Torre di Pisa, Piazza del Duomo, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Ferro di Facciata, Via Santa Maria, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

[Used in medieval time for tethering horses – see more]

Chiesa di San Sisto, Piazza Francesco Buonamici, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

[Constructed between 1087 and 1133]

Stone Bordered Doorway, Chiesa di San Sisto, Via Corsica, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Stone Bordered Doorway, Via Corsica, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Vintage Street Lamp, Cnr Via Ulisse Dini & Via delle Sette Volte, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Street Lamp, Borgo Street, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

ITALY – 2024-2025

The beginning of our trip to Tuscany, Italy. We had booked flights to take us to Pisa to begin the trip and thus made all of the arrangements around this. Unfortunately, Emirates decided to remove their scheduled flight from Dubai to Pisa leaving us with a bit of a problem. We ended up having to leave a couple of days earlier than planned and fly to Rome and then catch a train to Pisa to start our holiday, hence we spent only a single day in Rome. Below is from that day.

Views of The Colosseum

Archaeological Excavation, via Luigi Petroselli, Rome, Italy

Circus Maximus, Viale Aventino, Rome, Italy

Chiesa di San Rocco all’Augusteo, Via di Ripetta, Rome, Italy

(Built between 1499 – 1832)

Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Maria al Foro Traiano, Foro Traiano, Rome, Italy

Distressed Wall, Chiesa di San Sebastiano al Palatino, Via di San Bonaventura, Rome, Italy

Ornate Statuette Lamp. Grand Hotel Palace, Via Vittorio Veneto, Rome, Italy

Gateway, Chiesa di San Sebastiano al Palatino, Via di San Bonaventura, Rome, Italy

The site was originally for a temple built by the emperor Elagabalus in the third century. The temple was replaced by a church and an attached monastery in the tenth century. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint Sebastian, and Saint Zoticus, which can be read in an inscription that also contains the name of the founder of monastery, a physician named “Peter”. Originally the church was known as Santa Maria in Pallara, after the Palladium, the ancient image of Athena from Troy which – along with some of the most sacred objects in pagan Rome – was allegedly kept in a pagan temple on the same site. In 1061, the church was given to the abbot of Montecassino. It was then dedicated to Saint Sebastian. The structure that stands today is the result of a rebuilding in 1624.

Terme di Elagabalo, Via di S. Gregorio, Rome, Italy

Roman Baths adjacent to The Colosseum.

Shrine, Via di San Bonaventura, Rome, Italy

Side Wall of Chiesa San Bonaventura al Palatino, Via di San Bonaventura, Rome, Italy

Ruins, via Filippo Turati, Rome, Italy

Ruins behind Circus Maximus, Viale Aventino, Rome, Italy

Overgrown Gateway, Via di San Bonaventura, Rome, Italy

Courtyard, via Cairoli, Rome, Italy

Colonnade, via Giovanni Giolitti, Rome, Italy

Colonnade, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Rome, Italy

Poignant Message, Colonnade, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Rome, Italy

Doorway, Frati Cappuccini (Capuchin Friars), San Fedele Convent, via Cairoli, Rome, Italy

Street Sign, Via Machiavelli, Rome, Italy

Birra Moretti IPA, Hotel Napoleon, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Rome, Italy

Oops!, Via di Porta Maggiore, Rome, Italy

99 Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Rome, Italy

LINDISFARNE – HOLY ISLAND III

This post is primarily the ruins of the historic Lindisfarne Priory.

English Heritage – The history of the priory.

Headstones, St Mary’s Churchyard, , Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Hope Family Headstones, St Mary’s Churchyard, , Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Statue, St Aidan, Lindisfarne Priory, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Monument to St Aidan, Lindisfarne Priory, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

After a number of Viking raids, St Cuthbert’s coffin was removed from Lindisfarne and eventually buried in Durham Cathedral. As no evidence of his original shrine survives, English Heritage has commissioned a new monument, designed by sculptor Russ Coleman, to mark where the saint’s original burial place and the site of the miracles may have been located. Made from a large basalt boulder found locally, the monument in inset with Frosterley marble as a nod to the grave slab that marks St Cuthbert’s final resting place at Durham. Sitting on a Swaledale fossil plinth, which was found in the region and contains sea creature fossils, the monument stands within the ruins of the 12th-century priory, which claims direct descent from the early monastery.

Lindisfarne Priory, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

LINDISFARNE – HOLY ISLAND II

Admiral Fitzroy’s Storm Barometer, Crown & Anchor Pub, The Market Place, Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Gateway & Path to Village, The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Navigation Beacons at North End of Ross Links, Middleton, Northumberland, England UK

The Beacons are called Guile Point (the easterly one) and Heugh Hill (westerly) or sometimes Guile Point East & West, Old Law, and are described as wooden interior, stone clad obelisks, established in 1826. They are 21m and 24m high respectively, solar powered lights were added in the early 1990’s and they mark safe passage for vessels approaching Holy Island Harbour.

Anglo-Saxon Archaeological Ruins & Lookout Tower, The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Possibly the the remains of the oldest Anglo-Saxon church in Northumbria. The church is thought to date to between A.D. 630 and 1050, most likely on the earlier end of the span, and may have been built on the same site where St. Aidan raised a wooden church in A.D. 635.

War Memorial (Cenotaph), The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The great wave of memorial building after the First World War resulted in thousands of commemorative monuments being raised both at home and on the battlefield. Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens was the most outstanding designer to work in this field. This is one of 15 War Crosses designed by Lutyens, sharing a broadly similar design. The earliest to be erected was at Miserden, Gloucestershire, in 1920; the latest at Station Road, York, in 1925.

In 1902, Lutyens had been commissioned by Edward Hudson to convert the C16 Lindisfarne Castle into a residential property. It is assumed that the commission for the war memorial arose because of the work that Lutyens had undertaken for Hudson. Lutyens donated his services to the War Memorial Committee. The memorial was carved in Doddington stone by Mr Tully of Belford; Lutyens chose this stone to chime with the stone of Lindisfarne Priory. At a well-attended ecumenical service, on 4 June 1922, the memorial was unveiled by Major Morley Crossman DSO and dedicated by Rev WB Hall.

An inscription to commemorate those local servicemen who died fighting during the Second World War was added at a later date. Following storm damage which broke the shaft in the winter of 1983-4, the top of the memorial was replaced.

Sir Edwin Lutyens OM RA (1869-1944) was the leading English architect of his generation. Before the First World War his reputation rested on his country houses and his work at New Delhi, but during and after the war he became the pre-eminent architect for war memorials in England, France and the British Empire. While the Cenotaph in Whitehall (London) had the most influence on other war memorials, the Thiepval Arch was the most influential on other forms of architecture. He designed the Stone of Remembrance which was placed in all Imperial War Graves Commission cemeteries and some cemeteries in England, including some with which he was not otherwise associated.

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St Cuthbert’s Island from The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

A tidal island that is accessible by foot at low tide. – The RNLI Museum is on the right,

Relic, The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Ruins Adjacent to the Lookout Tower, The Heugh, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

16th century castle converted to a residence in 1902 by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Edward Hudson.

Images taken from inside the glassed-in lookout tower

Crown & Anchor Inn, Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The pub dates to 1827

Door, Crown & Anchor Inn, Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Former GPO Marker, Market Place, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Not as old as it looks –  it used to mark where a telephone cable runs by displaying the distance in Feet using up to three interchangeable numbers.

Britannia Cottage, Crossgates Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Mustard Close, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

RNLI Museum, Mustard Close, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Emblems, RNLI Museum, Mustard Close, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The Old Lifeboat House was restored in 2015, 50 years after the last lifeboat was taken out of service on the island (there is now a volunteer Coastguard contingent on the island). It features an exhibition telling the story of the Lifeboats on the island, and is dedicated to the Lifeboat crews and islanders with a connection to the service.

The first lifeboat, the Grace Darling, a ten-oar boat, was introduced to Holy Island in 1865.

The last lifeboat (Gertrude) was launched for the last time on 4 October 1967, before she was transferred to Exmouth in Devon. Following the introduction of advanced navigation technology and the use of helicopters both for sea rescues and to evacuate casualties from the island, there was a decreased need for the lifeboat service, though the RNLI services from Seahouses and Berwick are still used.

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These plates are either side of the doorway to the museum.

A common use today for the service:

Window, Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Rear Garden Gate, Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Iron Rails Cottage, Front Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Sign Post, Front Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Rural Land behind the Coast Guard Station, 2 St Cuthberts Square, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Old Pumps, Coast Guard Station, St Cuthberts Square, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Broken & Abandoned, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Anchor Chain Links, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Boat Shed, The Ouse, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Herring Boats, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Old herring fishing boats no longer seaworthy, brought ashore and upturned to convert to storage shelters

The Ouse, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Lindisfarne Harbour Wall, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Crab-Lobster Pots, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Fishing Boats, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Fisherman’s Boat, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Fisherman’s Hut, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Coastal Rocks, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Osborne’s Fort, Lindisfarne Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Built in 1671 as fortifications to supplement Lindisfarne Castle and defend against Dutch Raids.

History:

Lindisfarne Castle across the Harbour, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Old Post Office House, Fenkle Street View, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Wall Lamp, Manor House Hotel, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Celtic Cross, Market Place, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The cross was rebuilt in 1828 on the site of a medieval cross, and is Listed Grade II, including the railings.

Shipwrecked Mariners Society Charity Collection, Market Place, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The Shipwrecked Fishermen & Mariners Royal Benevolent Society. 16 Wilfred Street, London SW1.

Founded 1839:

Sundial, Market Place, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Included in the listing with the cross

Rain Barrel, Crossgates Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

RNLI Commemoration Plates, Crossgates Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

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RNLI Plaque, Crossgates Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Rosella Cottage, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Exhibit, Lindisfarne Priory Museum, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Derelict Shed, St Cuthbert’s Beach, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Stone Remnants, St Cuthbert’s Beach, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Steps to Gateway, St Cuthbert’s Beach, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Path & Gate to Mustard Close, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Flowers, Mustard Close, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Gate at Entrance to the Priory Ruins, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

In Memory, St Mary’s Churchyard, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Inscription:

Erected to the memory of eleven of the crew of the Holmrook S. S. who lost their lives through the vessel being wrecked on the False Emanuel Head, Holy Island 26th March 1892, of whom are buried here
W. B. Baines, Master
James Skinner
John James
A. Wilkinson
William Taylor
W. H. Robson
S. Haggerson
H. R. Guthrie
and another unidentified
John Nye

The story here:

Nesting Birds, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

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Headstone, Henry Thomas McDonald, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

In
Memory
Of
Henry Thomas McDonald
Who was first in the
32nd and afterwards
Capt. in the 53rd Regt
And served long
In India
Died August 25th 1856
Aged 73 years
Also 2 of his sons
Died in infancy

Memorial Plaques, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

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St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Lindisfarne’s parish church of St Mary’s is thought to stand on the site of the wooden church built by St Aidan in 635 AD. Dating from between 1180 and 1300, the parish church is the oldest building on the island (older than the ruined Norman priory), though a round headed arch in the chancel, and a strange high level doorway, are certainly Saxon in style. Mostly, the church now dates from the 12th century.

The long nave could indicate that this is one of the churches of the original monastery, or it could have been built by the Christianised Vikings, for whom this was an important place.

“The Journey”, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Depiction of Monks carrying Cuthbert’s coffin away from Holy Island to protect it from Viking raiders.

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Headstone, John Morton, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Headstone, George Murray, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Headstone, St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

LINDISFARNE – HOLY ISLAND I

Lindisfarne, also called Holy Island, is a tidal island off the north-east coast of Northumberland, England.  Holy Island has a recorded history from the 6th century AD; it was an important centre of Celtic Christianity under Saints Aidan, Cuthbert, Eadfrith, and Eadberht of Lindisfarne. The island was originally home to a monastery, which was destroyed during the Viking invasions but re-established as a priory following the Norman Conquest of England.

Lindisfarne Priory, Holy island, Northumberland, England UK

Holy Island – is one of the most important centres of early English Christianity. Irish monks settled here in AD 635 and the monastery became the centre of a major saint’s cult celebrating its bishop, Cuthbert. The masterpiece now known as the Lindisfarne Gospels was created here in the early 8th century. The ruins now visible are those of a 12th-century priory, which claimed direct descent from the early monastery.

English Heritage History

Historic England Listing

View to Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Lindisfarne’s parish church of St Mary’s is thought to stand on the site of the wooden church built by St Aidan in 635 AD. Dating from between 1180 and 1300, the parish church is the oldest building on the island (older than the ruined Norman priory), though a round headed arch in the chancel, and a strange high level doorway, are certainly Saxon in style. Mostly, the church now dates from the 12th century.

The long nave could indicate that this is one of the churches of the original monastery, or it could have been built by the Christianised Vikings, for whom this was an important place.

Headstone, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

I have not been able to find any information on this particular grave.

Askew Family Headstones, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Names:
Elizabeth Ann Askew – 1772 – 1857
Hugh Bertram Askew – 1785 – 1868
Isabel Askew – 1780 – 1864
John Askew – 1732 – 1794

Unknown Tomb, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Headstone of Lancelot Wilson, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Lancelot Wilson – d. 15 May 1822 Aged 77
Elizabeth Wilson – d. 2 October 1799
Joyce Wilson – d.14 June 1801
Ann Wilson d. 17 September 1802
Anne Wilson – d. unknown

Old Headstone, Graveyard, St Mary’s, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

” Here lyeth the Body of Mr Alexander Nicolson who being 10 years Minister of the Gospel in Holy Island Departed this life the 31st day of August 1711 and his age 65 “

‘Filled In’, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

St Aidan Statue, Lindisfarne Priory Grounds, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

In need of urgent preservation.

The Manor House Hotel & Car Park Entry, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

1962 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II, Manor House Hotel, Church Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

793 Spirits Co., Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Holiday Rentals, Farne Court (top) & Farne View (bottom), Fenkle Street, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Holiday Rentals, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The Ship Inn, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Sally’s Cottage, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Stone Carving, T Wilson 1792, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Again, I have been unsuccessful in finding information on this.

To Kyle Gardens, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

The Lindisfarn Gospel Garden, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Note the lack of an “e” on Lindisfarn

Laneway, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Entrance Door, Marygate House, Marygate, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UKMarygate House Rear View, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Entrance Door, Town View Cottage, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Residential Property, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Bird Boxes, Victoria Cottage, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

St Cuthbert’s Centre United Reformed Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Gate, Vicarage, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Flowers, St Mary’s Church, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Inscription on Gate, Lewin’s Lane, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you “plant.

Priory Ruins, from St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Lindisfarne, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

Old Post Office House, Market Place, Holy Island, Northumberland, England UK

NORTH BERWICK & DUNBAR

On the way to our next stay, we passed through two wonderful towns that are well worth the stopover.

North Berwick & Dunbar

REMEMBER:  All images will open in a new window/tab, All images are geotagged and can be viewed on a map using:-  Geosetter Software (download here)

St Andrew’s Church, Kirk Ports, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Category B Listed building and a National Monument.

St Andrew’s at Kirk Ports continued to be the main church in North Berwick, with renovations and extensions taking place for over two centuries. In the 19th century, a population boom caused by growing industry led to its space for 500 churchgoers to become insufficient. The town’s second St Andrew’s held its last service one year and two days short of the 220th anniversary of its inauguration, on June 3, 1883. The third St Andrew’s held its first services just a week later.

The current ruin status of the second kirk was partly by design, as it was decided that upon moving the religious services to the new church, this older one was to have its roof disassembled and the rest of the building stripped of the most valuable materials. The walls would be allowed to stand to become what it is now: a ‘picturesque ruin’.

View an information pamphlet here:

War Memorial, Cnr Quality Street and East Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Victorian Era Street Lamp, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Commemoration Tree, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Inscription:

This sycamore tree was planted by King Edward VII on October 10th 1902 to commemoration the Royal visit to North Berwick in the year of his coronation.

Street Sign, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

….and not a box of chocolates in sight….

The Lodge, Walltower House, East Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Originally Well Tower, named due to nearby (now covered) well.

The Ship Inn, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Zitto Wine Bar & Restaurant, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

No. 12, Hotel & Bistro, Quality Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Former Blackadder Free Church, Cnr Forth Street & Victoria Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

This is now a Baptist church

Information on John Blackadder here:

St Andrew Blackadder Church, High Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Bronze Church Bell, St Andrew Blackadder Church, St Andrew Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

The bell dates to 1642

County Police Station Sign, High Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Pink, Police Station Flower Pots, High Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Dog’s Head Door Knocker, 74 High Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Street Sign, Kirk Ports, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

West Bay, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Bass Rock, Canty Bay, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

The rock is uninhabited, but historically has been settled by an early Christian hermit, and later was the site of an important castle, which after the Commonwealth period was used as a prison. The island belongs to Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple, whose family acquired it in 1706, and before to the Lauder family for almost six centuries. The Bass Rock Lighthouse was constructed on the rock in 1902, and the remains of an ancient chapel survive.

Craigleith, Firth of Forth, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Craigleith is part of a chain of four islands near North Berwick, along with Bass Rock, Fidra and the Lamb. Of these, it is the closest to the town’s harbour.

North Berwick across Milsey Bay, Haugh Road Beach, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Former Dunbar Tolbooth, High Street, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland UK

The first municipal building in Dunbar was a tolbooth which dated back at least to the first half of the 16th century. After it became dilapidated, it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style with harled rubble masonry from a quarry at Innerwick to create the current structure which was completed in 1593.

Used as a council chamber and as a courthouse. It was the venue for the trials and convictions of some 73 women accused of witchcraft, for which the penalty was execution by strangulation and burning.

Mercat Cross, High Street, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland UK

The charter of 1370 by David II King of Scots establishing Dunbar as a burgh of barony required, among other things, the erection of a “public mercat cross”, to be the location of a weekly market. “[Mercat” – Scottish version of “Market”.]

The cross that stands in front of Dunbar Town House is not the original one. It was placed there in 1912 when it was assembled from fragments of different dates, the ashlar octagonal shaft then being thought to have been part of the historic cross. Research into its’ history continues, but present evidence suggests it can best be described as being representative of a possible succession of crosses that stood in the High Street from 1370 to the mid-18th century.

Statue Dedicated to John Muir, High Street, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland UK

A romanticized Peter Pan-like statue of world famous conservationist John Muir born in Dunbar 1838, then emigrated to the USA in 1849.  Muir became a naturalist and founded the National Parks in the States, beginning with Yosemite, California. Further details from John Muir’s Birthplace museum, 128 High Street. In October 1997, the bronze statue was unveiled by Magnus Magnusson, inquisitor of the television quiz Mastermind.

Sculptor Valentin Znoba (1929-2006)was born in the Ukraine. Studied at Ukraine Institute of Fine Art between 1947 and 1953. Participated in many exhibitions in Europe, the UK and elsewhere. Between 1995 and 1997, Znoba executed several other works in Scotland, notably Freedom – a  bronze of Sir William   Wallace astride a rearing  horse now in the   possession of Abertay University, Dundee

Pub Sign, The Eagle Inn, High Street, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Black Bull Close, High Street, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland UK

Eyemouth Beach, Eyemouth, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

INCHCOLM ABBEY RUINS

If you are in this part of the world then a visit to this historic site is well worth while.

Inchcolm Abbey is a medieval abbey located on the island of Inchcolm in the Firth of Forth in Scotland. The Abbey, which is located at the centre of the island, was founded in the 12th century. Later tradition placed it even earlier, in the reign of King Alexander I of Scotland (1107–24), who had taken shelter on Incholm when his ship was forced ashore during a storm in 1123. It is said he resided there for three days with the Hermit of Incholm.

The Abbey was first used as a priory by Augustinian canons regular, becoming a full abbey in 1235. The island was attacked by the English from 1296 onwards, and the Abbey was abandoned after the Scottish Reformation in 1560. It has since been used for defensive purposes, as it is situated in a strategically important position in the middle of the Firth of Forth.

Inchcolm Abbey has the most complete surviving remains of any Scottish monastic house. The cloisters, chapter house, warming house, and refectory are all complete, and most of the remaining claustral buildings survive in a largely complete state. The least well-preserved part of the complex is the monastic church.

In July 1581 stones from the abbey were taken to Edinburgh to repair the Tolbooth

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Inchcolm Abbey Ruins, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK

 

HAYDON BRIDGE to SOUTH QUEENSFERRY (Scotland)

We proceed further on our trip leaving Haydon Bridge and heading across the border and into Scotland with our destination and stay for the next few days being South Queensferry

Google Maps View of Locations

Old Bridge, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

The old bridge built in 1680 is now a pedestrian bridge only. It is a Grade II Listed Building

England-Scotland Border Stone, Carter Bar, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Jedburgh Abbey, Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland, UK

Jedburgh Abbey & Canongate Bridge, Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland, UK

Jedburgh is one of the four great abbeys established in the Scottish Borders in the 1100s. David I founded a priory here in 1138 and raised it to abbey status in 1154. The brethren may have come here from St Quentin Abbey, near Beauvais, France.  Monastic life was largely routine. But the abbey’s border location meant it was caught up in the conflict between Scotland and England in the later Middle Ages. The canons had to evacuate the premises during the Wars of Independence in the 1300s. The demise of Jedburgh’s monastic life was sealed by further attacks in the 1400s, major raids in the 1500s & the Protestant Reformation of 1560.

We did not visit the ruins as we had done so on a previous visit.

Trinity Church, Cnr Newcastle & Oxnam Roads, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland UK

Melrose Abbey Ruins, Abbey Street, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Unfortunately I could only walk around the outside of the building itself as it was undergoing preservation work and was considered dangerous within the ruin.

The abbey was founded in 1136 by King David I of Scotland. It was established by the Cistercian monks. It was attacked several times and following a foray by Richard II in 1385 it was completely rebuilt.

Only a very small part of the first abbey church survives. The present building of rose-coloured stone dates almost entirely to the post-1385 rebuilding. Yet Melrose is still considered one of the most magnificent examples of medieval church architecture anywhere in the British Isles.

It is the place where the heart of Robert the Bruce was interred.

Commendator’s House Museum, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

The Commendator’s House Museum lays claim to having the largest collection of medieval artefacts on display anywhere in Scotland. It forms part of Melrose Abbey.

A commendator is a person who is responsible for overseeing a benefice, which is a type of church property. They are called “commendators” because the property is entrusted to their care. In history, a “commendatus” was someone who swore loyalty to a lord and was placed under their protection.

Doors of the Commendator’s House, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

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The centre image is a door with a “Marriage Lintel”.  The initials of James Douglas, the Commendator of Melrose Abbey & those of his wife Mary Kerr of Ferniehirst (whom he married in 1587), appear with the date 1590 on a recut lintel over the main entrance. This was a common practice of the times but died out by the end of the 19th century.

The lintels serve as a record of a marriage and the joining together of two families, who were often aristocratic or monied. Lintels could be added to a building which was built specifically for the married couple, or were carved into a pre-existing lintel. They were always set over the main entrance and some also appear inside houses, above the most visible fireplace. Wherever they were placed, they were meant to be seen. They are a feature of the east coast of Scotland and date primarily from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries.

Windows, Commendator’s House, Melrose Abbey, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Window 1 Window 2
Window 3 Window 4
Window 5 Window 6

Corbels, Commendator’s House Museum, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Corbel 1 Corbel 2

Corbels were supports for the beams set into walls. These came from domestic buildings associated with the abbey. c1200s

Road Sign, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Old Stone Gate Posts, Harmony Cottage, Abbey Street, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

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Turret Clock Works, Commendator’s House, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

This was erected on the end of the abbey church in 1762.

Old Tweed Bridge, River Tweed, Galashiels, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

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The Old Tweed Bridge was opened by Sir Walter Scott in 1832. Having operating as the main link between Selkirk and Galashiels for 140 years. It is now a dedicated pedestrian bridge.