Friday, July 17, 2009

England - Day 1

Klaus 'collected' us from the Manchester airport, then turbo-whisked us away, and through town. On the way to take me to Sheffield ... ... he pulled over and parked, still in Manchester. Lovely lamp post, I thought, looking up at it and not paying attention to anything ahead. I walked forward a little, past a bench ... And then I saw THIS! St. Michael and All Angels Church. My photo didn't turn out, but the view from here? Gah. I've realized my shooting style is in three's: same subject, three different angles, and ESPECIALLY doors and windows. Part 1 of this Trio. Part 2 of the Trio. Part 3 of the Trio.
Clearly someone special - this grave was set off on a separate side of the lawns, and enclosed with this beautifully weathered, almost crusty, wrought iron. Approaching the church from the car park, past the ancient parish building (foreground). Trying to shoot the worn engraving - quite difficult! You can see the date: 1697 ... and this was one of the 'newer' headstones. Dates were SO hard to make out, but I did see one that said 12?8 (I couldn't read the 3rd number). And so so many children - heart wrenching! Because these headstones are so old, no one remains living to tend them. When they remained upright, they drooped, sagged, tilted, and so ultimately they were laid flat. Such an odd feeling, that, to approach a graveyard of this age and see this. Close-up of the engraving on one of the lowered markers. Most of the very old ones have worn away almost completely. Someone watching me, watching him. A little eerie. Goodness knows how old this stone is but such a patina! Pointing the camera UP, at the tall tall narrow windows.

4 comments:

Cindy said...

Toni, quite the thing with the grave markers. Buildings are differnet there, nice to see and read about your trip. I hope you are well my friend. I have missed you. take care ,cinner

Holly said...

What I find wonderful about visiting with those across the pond, is how much fun they have watching us get in a happpy dither over what to them is so mundane.

They live with such aged and ancient 'stuff' that they don't see it with the same wonder as we. We give them a chance to see their beautiful world in a refreshed view...and that's always a good thing.

And, someone like you who, who is so grateful for everything you see and experience? You are the perfect guide to seeing their lovely world in its real context.

mel said...

Ooooh, that lamp-post reminds me of Narnia....

I LOVE visiting old graveyards...so does my little girl...some people find that odd...;) To walk among the ancestors...especially those as ancient as those you saw there....a truly fabulous gift!! Thank you for giving us a glimpse!!

I agree with Holly....everything on this side of the ocean is so *new* in comparison....

beth said...

ohhh those photos....
I bet you were just giddy with everything you saw...I know I would have been....

and now day 2 ?