P is for PARKES, a Coventry Gladiator

My offering for ABC Wednesday:  It's Halloween and what could be better than a gravestone, a real gravestone, in memory of a real gladiator by the name of John Parkes.  

the inscription reads:
“To the memory of John Parkes, a native of this city he was a man of mild disposition. A gladiator by profession, who after having fought 350 battles in the principal parts of Europe with honor and applause, at length quit the stage sheathed his sword and with Christian resignation submitted to the grand victor in the 52nd year of his life Anno 1733”.

A Gladiator you say?  The BBC put together a wonderful paper telling us all about John Parkes....have a look HERE.

Walkway to Old and New Coventry Cathedral
John Parkes memorial to the left

For more 'P' photographs follow the link to ABC WEDNESDAY and Happy Halloween !!!

1962 Jaguar Mark 2, 3.8

A classic Jaguar built in Coventry.

The original owner of this Jaguar car was the Argentinian Embassy in London.   I am no expert but it looks pretty nice to me. It even has a sunroof.

It does not belong to me.  It belongs to my Brother-in-Law.  Lucky chap!

It's In The Detail

Craven Coat of Arms, St Bartholomew Church
Motto translation:  Virtue Consists in Action

This unique Wedgwood style ceiling has recently been refurbished along with the rest of the interior of the church. The church was built by Lord Craven in 1773.  And, it is the Parish Church for the area where I live.  

My thoughts and prayers go out to those who are in the path of Hurricane Sandy.  It is the top item on the news here in the UK today.

Skywatch Friday - View Into Coventry Cathedral

I am referring to St Michael's, a 14th century Gothic church later designated a Cathedral.   The Old Coventry Cathedral (St Michael's) is now a ruined shell after its bombing during the Second World War.

Not everything was destroyed.  Before the war this view would have been obstructed by a stained glass window and the Cathedral roof beyond.

For lots more photographs featuring the 'sky' follow the link to SKYWATCH FRIDAY.

Have a super weekend everyone.  Stock up on those sweets for Halloween.  (I like Tootsie Rolls :).  See you next week.

Thatched Roof Thursday #3 - KEEP CLEAR...

...because I have to stand in the road to get this shot!

Now remember we are in England.  The cars will be approaching from behind me.

Here is a view of the front of this charming cottage in Dunchurch.  The whole of the roof is covered with chicken wire to protect it from becoming home to the local wildlife.

Thursday is becoming 'Thatched Roof Thursday'.  Wonder how long I can keep this going.

Have a super day!

ABC Wednesday - O is for OPEN

West Midlands Police Station
Little Park Street

This is my first entry on ABC WEDNESDAY.  (Hope I have got the right idea.)

In May, 2012, I photographed this lamp but on a nicer day.  (As of today, it is in the Top Ten most viewed photographs in my blog - I don't know why.)  Click this Blue Lamp link for my original post and a little more about Blue Lamps. Cheers!

The Grass Is Looking Good

Holy Trinity Church with Coventry Cathedral to the right

In July I said that I would show you the view from those benches. Well, here it is.  (Oh, the photo above was taken last week when we had beautiful blue skies.)

If you walk pass the flats on the right, someone has a novel idea for curtains.........

Whatever works!

Brrr...............!!

9.30 am  -  5th Hole (somewhere ahead in the fog)
Ansty Golf  Club

5th Green (with people in group behind us)

Looking up 13th Fairway
Fog lifted

12.30 pm - Standing on the 16th Tee looking towards 10th Green
Blue skies at last, briefly :)

So there you have it.  My game of golf today was enjoyable.  Obviously, if I had concentrated on my game a bit more instead of taking photos (and there are more), I might have done better than coming last in our group of 15. Oh well.

PS.  Happy Birthday, Sis!

Skywatch Friday - Safe Landing, Safe Journey

St Edith's Church, Monks Kirby

The reason I took this photograph was to capture the church flag at half mast, a symbol of respect.  (More about that in the paragraph below.)  When I got home and had a closer look on the computer, I discovered a bird was in the frame of two shots.  Windy day it was, but our friend negotiated a 'safe landing' on the church flag pole (below).

Much of the land that is Monks Kirby was at one time owned by the family of the Earl of Denbigh.  The Dowager Countess of Denbigh, who married the 11th Earl of Denbigh, passed away recently.  She was the mother of the present 12th Earl of Denbigh.  Her funeral was here on Monday.  'Safe journey' home.

Here is the link for more Skywatch Friday photos:  SKYWATCH FRIDAY.   

Have a super weekend all.   

NB.   'Dowager' is a widow who holds a title derived from her deceased husband.

Thatched Roof Thursday #2 - Cat On A Cold Straw Roof

Even new houses can be crowned with beautiful thatched roofs.  This house in Dunchurch (near Coventry) is new.  The thatcher was given some creative licence here and it looks beautiful.

Now to the building next door.

This is what can happen to a modern build in rural England.....the dreaded satellite dish (times four).   Below is the house (possibly apartments) next door.  Oh no!

I took lots of pictures in Dunchurch today.  It is a fascinating little village with some rather impressive history. (Think I will work on my blog post for November 5th next.  That is Guy Fawkes Day here.  All will be explained.)

Have a super day!

From A Monastery To A Hotel

Coombe Abbey Hotel  (view from a bridge to the right)

Welcome to Coombe Abbey Hotel just as the fog is lifting. This place is just about perfect and located just outside Coventry.  It was founded as a monastery in the 12th century and in the 16th century it became royal property. Yes, it is a hotel and there is no denying  that the moment you enter the grounds you are transported to....well, you just have to come and have a look for yourself!

Hotel and moat to the left (looking towards Coombe Country Park)

 There's more.....

The Entrance

I could never describe this 'no ordinary hotel' adequately, so click the link, Coombe Abbey Hotel, and have a little read for yourself.

A Closer View (through the morning fog
hiding that Ferrari)

Some of the Courtyard

Fancy English tea and scones?  I know just the place........!

Foggy Morning At Coombe

Coombe Abbey Hotel grounds

This is a pretty fair representation of how it looked beyond the tree line on a foggy morning last Sunday.  Behind me is the hotel and to my right is the entrance to Coombe Country Park.  Super place to visit for country walks.

Have a good day!

Mr. & Mrs.

Coombe Abbey Hotel, Coventry

This is my first attempt at duck 'portraits'.  There were 4 and seconds later there were none.  Considering I was about 8 feet away, I will settle for this....next time I will show you the full tail...maybe!

Skywatch Friday - View From Nettle Hill

Taken from Ansty (Near Coventry)

It was just a matter of minutes before the sunshine disappeared behind those rather thick clouds.  The view is of Withybrook farmland as seen from Nettle Hill, Ansty.

For more photos looking towards the heavens, click on the SKYWATCH FRIDAY link and enjoy.

Have a super weekend all.  I am off to look for thatched roofs.  See you next week!

Thatched Roof Thursday #1 - Brandon

I got lucky this morning driving through Brandon.  This 1600's thatched cottage is a classic in itself, but to add a 1937 Austin 7 to the frame is a bonus....not to mention a 1961 Massey Ferguson tractor as well.  For you car buffs, here is a closer look at that Austin 7.

St Mary's Guildhall, Coventry

St. Mary's Guildhall, Bayley Lane

This wonderful building (with its many rooms) was first built in the 1340's for the merchant guild of St. Mary.  There is something of historic interest in every corner of this room.  So you know I will revisit again.  In meantime, just enjoy this view from the minstrel gallery.

The statute of Lady Godiva pictured here is on the left just beyond the chairs through the archway.

I Owe You An Apple

The moment I started taking pictures, this horse started moving towards me.

Saying 'stand still' just didn't work.

My Panasonic camera is a delicious 'apple' red.  So, in fairness, I think I owe this horse an apple next time I walk by.

The photos were taken on the Binley Road, Coventry, near St. Bartholomew's Church (last Wednesday).

Built In 1068 by William The Conqueror

Warwick Castle
Great Hall & Staterooms, Caesar's Tower, Gatehouse and Guy's Tower with flag
(left to right)

http://www.warwick-castle.com/

Last day at this castle!  If you are visiting England, don't just stop in London.  There is plenty to see outside our great capital city.  Coventry has a marvellous Cathedral and more, Stratford.....well you know about Shakespeare and Warwick Castle is a must.  In 30 minutes you can drive to all three.  They are that close to each other.   If you don't have time to go into the Warwick Castle, at least wander down Mill Street and catch sights like the ones I have shared over the last few days.  But, there is so much more if you go inside!!!!!

Have a good weekend.  I'll be back on Tuesday.

THE VIEW

View from Guy's Tower

The photo (above) is the view from Guy's Tower looking down to the spot in Mill Street where I was standing yesterday. The entrance to the Castle is on the left across the moat, through the gatehouse to the courtyard on the right. Caesar's Tower is in the background. 

Below is the view from the steps going up to Guy's Tower.  Tomorrow will be the last day in this series with a couple more photos from a garden in Mill Street.  

Gatehouse, Caesar's Tower, Great Hall & Staterooms 

(left to right)

Note:  When we have family visitors Warwick Castle is always on the list of places everyone wants to visit.  The photos I am showing you today were taken by a family member visiting from Australia in September, 2009.  I like them so much, so I asked if I could use them today.  Hope you like them too.

Towers & Ramparts at Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle (view from Mill Street)

As promised, I can tell you it is nearly 11:05am at Warwick Castle.  I moved about 50 paces from where I stood yesterday to get this view.  The gatehouse, with the clock, is where you enter the Castle (not the grounds).  Next tower to the right is Guy's Tower.  See those people standing near the flag?  That will give you an idea of how huge that tower is.   If you would like to see the view from Guy's Tower, come back tomorrow.

Oh Yes!

Warwick Castle (from Mill Street)

       Walk down Mill Street for 2 minutes and as you round the bend in the road, this view is to your left.  
       Caesar's Tower.  Outstanding!

       Walk a little further and you can see what time it is.  But you will have to wait until tomorrow.

Warwickshire Homes - A Small Tour

Mill Street, Warwick

Join me in a little photographic tour of Mill Street, Warwick.  It is all free and you might like to visit in person, some day.  Judge for yourself.

I could happily spend the day taking photographs of every single one of these homes.  It will be no surprise to some of you to see what is at the end of this exceptional lane.  Needless to say, some of the buildings along here are old....dating back to 1694.   See you tomorrow.

October Theme Day - Silhouette

A Little Bit of Light

Breeze way between Coventry's Old and New Cathedrals

with

Holy Trinity Church Spire lit up in background

Taken at 7pm last Thursday.
To enjoy more City Daily Photo October Theme Day photos - please click this link: Silhouette