A visit today to see this remarkable historic clapper bridge, constructed from massive stone slabs; it proudly spans the River Barle in Exmoor National Park.
I was looking for Dipper’s in the river but only saw one flying down stream.
Tarr Steps.
Historic Places
How it was.
Back in 1986, while on holiday in Pembrokeshire, we visited an open farm in the Preseli Hills. This was no tourist attraction with bells and whistles. It was a traditional family working Welsh Hill Farm. No shop, no cafe, no toilet block, just the family outside loo. The farm had no running water or electricity; it was like stepping back 100 years.
The land was worked entirely by Shire Horses. We watched the farmer kit out the horses ready for the plough and followed him up a steep hillside to plough the land. Getting our breath back, the small group of visitors sat down and watched the horses working.
The farmer looked elderly to me as a youngster, but in reality, he was probably only in his 40’s. The work on the land had given him a deceptive appearance.
Two years later, we wanted to return again, but could not find the farm. At the Fishguard tourist board offices, we were told that the farm was no longer open to the public, as there had been complaints from visitors about a lack of facilities and the farmyard being too muddy! Since I have visited many farm museums in their sanitised state over the years, they have never been a patch on this working hill farm practising an authentic way of life.
Step back in time.
Sorting through old slides, I found these pictures I took back in 1982 at Western Shore in Southampton of the QE2.
The QE2 left Southampton for the Falklands War on May 12th 1982.
Departing from the Southampton docks, the requisitioned Cunard liner carried about 3,000 troops from the 5th Infantry Brigade (including the Scots Guards, Welsh Guards, and Gurkha Rifles) and 650 volunteer crew members. She sailed to the South Atlantic to serve as a troop transport during the conflict.
The QE2 was officially retired by the Cunard Line in November 2008.
The ship was not scrapped. After a lengthy restoration, she reopened as a permanently moored, 13-deck floating hotel and museum in Mina Rashid, Dubai. Managed by Accor, the vessel features 447 restored rooms, multiple dining venues, and preserved historical spaces
On an English Hillside.
Another circular Sunday morning walk on the South Downs.
This time of year, Rooks are re-establishing their nest sites. Rookerys are known for high noise levels, territorial disputes, and intense activity during nesting season.
Goldfinch.
Yellowhamer.
Brown Hare,
On the route, there is a memorial to a WW2 accident where 33 were tragically killed.
In early 1944, numerous training exercises were being undertaken in preparation for the Allied invasion of D-Day.
On the 4th April 1944, 1 HGSU, Horsa 1 glider, LG999 towed by Stirling IV LJ-842 of 196 Squadron took part in a large-scale glider exercise code-named ‘Exercise Dreme’.The night exercise of various legs was to take 3.5 hours, and the gliders were to be released over Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The glider occupants were two glider pilots and members of No. 3 Platoon, ‘A’ Company, 7th (Airborne) Division, King’s Own Scottish Borderers.
Low cloud was reported in the Lewis area and on the leg from Lewis to Winchester. As the towing Stirling descended through the clouds, it hit a tree. The glider released immediately and crashed in Warnford. All 27 men on board the Horsa LG999 were killed. The Stirling flew on for another 15 minutes when it stalled, and crashed at 21:00 hours one-mile south-west of Romsey, some 18 miles from the site of the glider crash, and all six crew members were killed.
The Hospital of St.Cross.
‘The Hospital of St Cross’ was first conceived by the grandson of William the Conqueror, Henri de Blois. This remarkable establishment reflects a blend of history, charity, and architectural beauty, founded by de Blois, a young French monk and nobleman who later ascended to the esteemed position of Bishop of Winchester. In 1132, with a compassionate vision, he founded the hospital with the noble intent to provide shelter for 13 frail men who were unable to work. Additionally, the institution had a program to feed 100 men at its gates daily, reinforcing the values of community and care during a time when such charitable acts were vital.
During the mid-15th Century, Cardinal Henry Beaufort, recognising the importance of the institution, set up ‘The Almshouse of Noble Poverty.’ He played a crucial role in enhancing the hospital, overseeing the construction of the majority of its current buildings. Among these structures are the elegant line of Almshouses, which create a picturesque setting that has been appreciated for centuries. Over the years, the site has evolved through the medieval era, maintaining its foundational purpose of providing Almshouse accommodation. This commitment to charity and community support continues to this day.
Figureheads.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has a great collection of figureheads.
A figurehead is a carved wooden decoration often found at the bow of ships, typically designed to represent the name or role of the vessel. These sculptures served not only as decorative elements but also as symbols of a ship’s identity and character, intertwining artistry with functionality. In contemporary settings, ships’ badges have emerged to fulfil a similar role, providing visual symbolism yet without the historical significance and craftsmanship associated with traditional figureheads.
In 1796, the British Admiralty attempted to abolish figureheads entirely on new ships due to changing maritime practices and the evolution of naval warfare. However, this order was not fully embraced by shipbuilders and sailors. Many mariners believed that a ship devoid of a figurehead would bring bad luck, as these carvings were thought to have protective powers over the vessel and its crew. The figurehead was thus seen as a guardian spirit, a belief that persisted despite the Admiralty’s directives.
During the 19th century, as maritime technology advanced from sail-powered wooden ships to steam and iron constructions, the bowsprit—where figureheads were typically fixed—started to fade into obsolescence. With the transformation of ship design, the practical need for figureheads diminished, leading to their gradual decline in naval architecture.
The last Royal Navy ship to showcase a figurehead was the HMS Espiegle. The name “L’Espiegle,” meaning frolicsome in French, aptly described the carved figurehead, which depicted a woman adorned with jewel-encrusted bangles and a striking masquerade mask. This artistic representation was meant to convey a sense of playfulness and allure, embodying the ship’s spirit. The HMS Espiegle was eventually broken up in 1923.
Down memory lane.
While sorting out, I came across my 1st digital camera.{2002} A Fujifilm FinePix 6900Z has a 3.3 megapixel SuperCCD, which generates a 6 megapixel image. My current camera, a FujiFilm HX2s, has a 26 megapixel image APS-C Stacked CMOS sensor
I had to order a new Battery via eBay and once sorted, took it out for a 2026 test run {only 24 years later!}
Manor Farm Open Air Museum, Botley, Hampshire.
Mottisfont Abbey.
With the first blue sky for a couple of weeks, it was nice to take a walk and get some photos without grey skies.
Mottisfont Abbey is a historical priory and country estate in Hampshire, now operated by the National Trust. The site features a historic house museum with changing art exhibitions, the abbey has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century, initially founded as a house for Augustinian canons. Over the centuries, it has transitioned from a monastic building to a country house, particularly during the 18th century when it was remodelled in the Gothic Revival style. The abbey is now recognised not only for its architecture but also for its beautiful gardens, which showcase a collection of old and rare roses, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its tranquil beauty and historical significance.
Two paintings from the current Town and Country: A Journey Through the Seasons are part of the current art exhibition at Mottisfont. These two were my favourites.
Both by Lesley Fortherby.
Tichborne Hampshire.
Tichborne Village in Hampshire stands on the Itchen as it passes on its way from Cheriton to Winchester.
St Andrew’s Church, standing on a small hill, is a Grade I listed building and was founded in the mid 11th Century. It was likely the church for the larger area known as the Manor of Cheriton. The Tichborne family, who had held their estate since at least 1135, came to be closely associated with St Andrew’s and carried out significant additions to it in the early 14th century.
The inside of the church has several monuments to the Tichborne family. These are very grand for a parish church.
St Catherine’s Hill
St Catherine’s Hill, Winchester, is a 58-hectare chalk grassland. It is a nature reserve managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. There are ramparts of the Iron Age hill fort cut into the 70m high hill, buried ruins of the Norman chapel that gives the site its name and several rectangular burial mounds along Plague Pit Valley, which mark the location of mass graves. It offers views over Winchester, the Itchen Valley and the surrounding countryside. As part of the management of the chalk grassland, cattle are used to help prevent scrub from building up.
Continued Reflections from my World. 