April 2012. Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. Salisbury Cathedral was built in a mere 38 years (1220 - 1258), in a single architectural style, early English Gothic. The tower and spire (Britain’s tallest) were added from 1310-1330. Home to the best preserved of four surviving original Magna Carta, sealed by King John in 1215, Salisbury Cathedral is more than an historical monument. It is a dynamic working church, mother church of the Diocese of Salisbury. Unlike in other cathedrals and churches I visited, photography is allowed, except for in the Chapter House where the Magna Carta is displayed. I was taken by the quiet way this man rested on the steps, deep in thought. (Please use the 'Newer' and 'Older' buttons to see the other photos in this set.)
April 2012. Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. Salisbury Cathedral was built in a mere 38 years (1220 - 1258), in a single architectural style, early English Gothic. The tower and spire (Britain’s tallest) were added from 1310-1330. Home to the best preserved of four surviving original Magna Carta, sealed by King John in 1215, Salisbury Cathedral is more than an historical monument. It is a dynamic working church, mother church of the Diocese of Salisbury. Unlike in other cathedrals and churches I visited, photography is allowed, except for in the Chapter House where the Magna Carta is displayed. This is the tomb of William Longespee, illegitimate son of King Henry II and half brother of King John. Present at the laying of the foundation stones in 1220, he died in 1226, and became the first person to be buried in the cathedral. What a final resting place! (Please use the 'Newer' and 'Older' buttons to see the other photos in this set.)
April, 2012. Wiltshire, Great Britain. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient stone circle evolved between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC. Aligned with midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset, Stonehenge is a source of inspiration and fascination for some, and for others, a place of worship and celebration. Visitors to this site up 'til the early 1970s were allowed to wander among the stones and even chip off pieces as souvenirs. That practice has ended and visitors are now kept back from the stones by a low, very unobtrusive fence. As you walk the perimeter of the area you are treated to views from different distances and sight lines. We arrived at Stonehenge right after a fierce rain and hail storm blew through. The residual clouds provided a dramatic backdrop. My little travel camera, Canon's new G1X has manual controls that gave me some hope of working with exposure in both harsh open spaces and dark interiors. (Please use the 'Newer' and 'Older' buttons to cycle through the series.)
