Mintaro

 

After "refuelling" (our bodies, not the vehicle!) in Auburn, (see earlier post)

we continued on to the small town of Mintaro, widely known for its slate - the quarry having been founded in the 1850s - and its impact and presence in the town is wonderfully prevalent in walls, roofs and buildings generally.

 

One of the first buildings we saw was the former Blacksmith's premises, dating back to 1858. We had stopped to admire (and photograph!) the rejuvenated building, whereupon the owner emerged, graciously welcomed us, provided background information on the 5 year restoration project and invited us to view the interior.

 

 

 

The reflection below shows one area of the living space where, among the stones used in the construction of the wall you can plainly see also some of the local slate.

What a charming environment, full of character and history!

 

 

 . . . and retained in the living room wall is the ring where horses used to be tethered while the blacksmith worked

 

 

It was a delightful and totally unexpected treat and we were grateful for her willingness to share this delightful residence with us.

 

Do visit James' Weekend Reflection for more reflections from around the world.

Reflecting on Milan

This shoe shop window reflects some of the architectural beauty to be found in ...

... the impressive Vittorio Emanuelle II arcade

in Milan

Linking up with James' Weekend Reflection

Old Moreton Hall

 

Old (or Little) Moreton Hall, is a National Trust property situated in Congleton, Cheshire, UK which was initially constructed around 1504 to 1508 by the Moreton family who were wealthy landowners in the area and the house was a symbol of their prosperity.

A subsequent addition to the building was constructed in 1610.

 

No, the photo hasn't been "artistically adapted", the building really does have that unusual and uneven appearance!

 

This is the interior courtyard

 

and the window of the family chapel (which room appears below)

 

This is a hand-worked kneeling pad for prayers

 

Exterior window from the courtyard

 

 And an explanation of the method of wall construction used !

 

together with a cut-away view of the walls

 

This is the Tudor-style family dining room

 

and here one of the carpenters has left his mark for posterity!

 

This long hall is the top floor, as appears in the first photo (sorry, I didn't note its purpose!)

 

but here you can see the uneven construction

 

and finally some detail in the side leadlight windows.

 

Linking up with Our World Tuesday

(with thanks to our faithful hosts)

 

 

Canterbury Cathedral

Happy New Year to all!

Thought I'd start off the New Year with a backward glance that also anticipates some exciting periods of travel in 2014 which will embrace (in part) revisiting some favourite regions.

This shot inside the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral was taken by a friend during our6 week re-visit to the UK in 2009. What awesome architecture! 


Wishing all those who visit my blog a truly wonderful, healthy, safe and purposeful year ahead. I look forward to seeing your images throughout 2014 and hope I can post some worthwhile photos myself for your enjoyment.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday and gratefully acknowledging the combined efforts of our hosts - may their year also bring good health, safety, love of good friends and family and exciting photographic adventures!

The Eight Bells

"The Eight Bells" in the hamlet of Eaton some 10 minutes west of Oxford, England.

One of many charming little pubs throughout the UK that offer a warm, friendly welcome and appealing fare - it's well worth a visit!

(I was told by a previous landlord that the large Yew tree out front is more than 300 years old.)

 Inside the lounge bar with its copper hooded fireplace and low ceiling beams.

History's home

Pictured above are Levels 1 and 2 of the Mortlock Wing of the State Library of South Australia. These provide quiet study areas and internet access. The ground floor houses exhibition bays that open a window into the history and culture of South Australia, featuring the people, places, issues and events that have contributed to the State's development.

Mr John Andrew Tennant Mortlock (1894-1950) was the eldest son of William and Rosye Tennant Mortlock, a wealthy pastoralist family, whose residence at Mintaro near Clare was Martindale Hall, made famous through the movie Picnic at Hanging Rock.. He was educated at Glenelg Grammar School and St Peter's College in South Australia, and at Jesus College, Cambridge University.

In honour of a substantial bequest from him, the Libraries Board of South Australia (LBSA) resolved that a percentage of the South Australiana Collections would be housed in the wing and named the Mortlock Library of South Australiana. The Mortlock Library was opened in 1986.

Visit http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/ for
 links to other scenes from around the world. (and many thanks to our lovely hostesses)