The Nation's Shrine's (1929)

 The nation's Shrines is a short video I recently uploaded to YouTube featuring a collection of 25 cigarette trading cards from a collection released in 1929 called the nation's Shrines. Each card is an image of an historic place from either England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and the complete set if featured in the video. They were released by Player's Cigarettes.

The images feature a number of abbey's, Cathedral's, Castle's and other places of interest in the United Kingdom. Sadly Kenilworth Castle is missing, the video software only aloud a brief glimpse of it between John Milton's cottage and Manorbier Castle. The pictures below are the ones that feature in the video. The break down of places represented is 17 sites from England, 3 from Wales and Ireland and 2 featured from Scotland. In this modern age i'm sure that split would be a bit more representative and certainly feature a few more sites of interest from the Celtic nations.

Ann Hathaway's Cottage, Warwickshire, England.

Blarney Castle, County Cork, Ireland.

Bootham Bar and York Minster, Yorkshire, England.

Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland.

Clonmacnoise, County Offaly, Ireland.

Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire, England.

Furness Abbey, Cumbria, England

Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset, England.

Haddon Hall, Derbyshire, England.

Henry VIII's Chapel, Westminster Abbey, London, England.

Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, Scotland.

John Knox's House, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Milton's Cottage, Buckinghamshire, England.

Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, England.

Manorbier Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Birthplace of William Shakespeare, Warwickshire, England.

St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, Wales

St Pauls Cathedral, London, England.

Stoke Poges Church, Buckinghamshire, England.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England.

The Cloisters at Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire, England.

Tower of London, London, England.

Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire, Wales.

Warwick Castle, Warwickshire, England.

Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, England.

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Churn Milk Joan, A Moorland Mystery

Standing sentinel on Midgley Moor, overlooking the breathtaking Calder Valley, is a stone steeped in history and legend. Known by many names – Churn Milk Joan, Churn Milk Peg, and Nelmires Stoop – this imposing 7ft monolith has watched over the valley for centuries, its origins shrouded in time.

First recorded in the 17th century, the stone is believed to have served as a boundary marker, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of life across the moors. But its more colourful name, Churn Milk Joan, didn't appear until the early 1800s, and with it came a tale as chilling as the moorland wind.

Local legend whispers of a milkmaid, caught in a ferocious snowstorm, who tragically froze to death while crossing the treacherous moor from Peckett Well to Luddenden. They say the stone was named in her memory, a poignant reminder of the harsh beauty and unforgiving nature of the landscape.

But Churn Milk Joan isn't just a monument to tragedy. It's also a source of local folklore and superstition. Legend has it that placing a penny in the hollow atop the stone will bring you good luck. And if you're brave enough to venture to the moor on New Year's Eve, you might witness a truly magical spectacle. They say that as the bells of St. Michael's Church in Mytholmroyd echo across the valley, the stone itself spins three times! A captivating thought, especially considering the stone predates the church by a couple of hundred years. What secrets has it witnessed in its long vigil?

So, the next time you find yourself exploring the Calder Valley, take a detour to visit Churn Milk Joan. Stand in its shadow, feel the wind whipping across the moor, and let your imagination wander. Is it just a boundary marker? A memorial to a lost milkmaid? Or a magical stone with the power to grant good fortune? Perhaps it's a little bit of all three, a testament to the rich tapestry of history and folklore woven into the very fabric of the Yorkshire landscape.

The picture was taken on the 5th April 2021.

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Carter Bar: Where England Meets Scotland, History Meets Horizon

Perched atop the Redesdale Valley at a bracing 1371 feet above sea level, Carter Bar isn't just a point on a map; it's a dramatic threshold where England and Scotland embrace, a place steeped in history and blessed with breath taking vistas. If you've ever travelled the A68, approximately 58 miles southeast of Edinburgh or 45 miles northwest of Newcastle, you've likely encountered this iconic crossing, with the charming town of Jedburgh as its nearest neighbour.

A View to Remember, Whatever the Weather

Carter Bar is a magnet for passers-by, and it's easy to see why. The dedicated viewing area is almost perpetually dotted with visitors, cameras in hand, eager to capture the stunning landscapes that unfold before them. From this elevated vantage point, your gaze can sweep across the majestic Cheviot Hills, delve into the rolling expanses of the Scottish Borders, and stretch far into the untamed beauty of Northumberland.

But be warned: while the views are consistently spectacular, the weather can be a fickle companion. Such is the nature of an exposed, high-altitude crossing. Even on a summer's day, a chill wind can cut through, a stark reminder of its elevation. And don't be surprised to find lingering patches of snow well into late spring or even an early dusting in autumn – nature here plays by its own rules.

Stones of History: Marking the Divide

The precise line of the historic border between England and Scotland is unmistakably marked by two large, unassuming stones. These silent sentinels bear witness to centuries of ebb and flow between two proud nations, reminding us that while the landscape is continuous, a significant historical and cultural divide lies beneath our feet.

Echoes of Conflict: The Raid of Redeswire

Yet, Carter Bar is more than just a scenic viewpoint. It's a place where history resonates deeply. On a fateful day, July 7th, 1575, this very ground was the scene of the last major skirmish between the Kingdoms of England and Scotland – an event immortalized as the Raid of Redeswire. Imagine the clash of steel, the cries of battle, and the tension that must have hung heavy in the air as these two formidable nations vied for supremacy.

The Peacekeepers of the Marches: Truce Days

Before the unification of the crowns, the border regions were often volatile, prone to disputes and lawlessness. To maintain some semblance of order, a fascinating system of international law known as Truce Days, or March Law, was established. Carter Bar was a known venue for these gatherings. Here, cross-border grievances were heard and settled, overseen by the powerful Lord Warden of the Marches, individuals entrusted with the immense responsibility for the security of these borderlands.

These unique legal proceedings became obsolete after 1603, a pivotal year that saw King James VI of Scotland ascend to the English throne as King James I. The Union of the Crowns brought an end to centuries of often-fraught relations, rendering the need for March Law and its Truce Days unnecessary. The border, while still culturally distinct, was no longer a realm of frequent conflict and dispute.

A Moment Frozen in Time

Our own recent visit to Carter Bar on October 24th, 2018, captured with a trusty Nikon D3300 SLR camera, served as a powerful reminder of its enduring appeal. The crisp autumn air, the expansive skies, and the tangible sense of history made for a truly memorable experience.

So, the next time you find yourself traversing the A68, make sure to take a moment at Carter Bar. Step out, breathe in the fresh, often bracing, air, and let your gaze wander across the magnificent panorama. But more than that, let your mind wander through the rich tapestry of history that has unfolded on this very spot. For at Carter Bar, you don't just cross a border; you step into a living, breathing testament to the intertwined histories of England and Scotland.

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Whitby's Coastal Charm: Four Moments in Time

Imagine standing on West Cliff, the sea breeze on your face, gazing out over Whitby Beach. These four images, taken on August 25th, 2018, attempt to capture that feeling. From this vantage point near Whitby Pavilion, the view extends along the coast towards Sandsend, with the sturdy silhouette of Whitby Harbour Pier anchoring the scene. The Nikon D3300 SLR beautifully rendered the details of this North Yorkshire gem, preserving the essence of a perfect seaside day.

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Soaring Above the Clouds: A Glimpse of My Journey from Manchester to Venice

The hum of the engines, the gentle sway as we taxied down the runway... there's always a thrill in the moments before take off. On October 29th, 2018, that thrill was amplified by the anticipation of reaching the enchanting canals and historic streets of Venice. I was lucky enough to capture parts of this journey from Manchester Airport all the way to Marco Polo Airport through the lens of my trusty Nikon D3300, and I'm excited to share those moments with you.

Forget those blurry, through-the-window phone snaps! These videos offer a clearer, more immersive perspective of the world unfolding beneath the wings. From the initial ascent, leaving behind the familiar patchwork of the English countryside, to the breath taking arrival over the Venetian lagoon, each clip holds a little piece of the magic of flight.

What can you expect to see?

• The Departure: Witness the bustling activity of Manchester Airport receding into the distance as we climb into the vast expanse of the sky.
• A Sea of Clouds: Marvel at the ethereal beauty of a seemingly endless white blanket stretching as far as the eye can see – a truly awe-inspiring sight.
• Changing Landscapes: Keep an eye out for the subtle (and sometimes dramatic!) shifts in the terrain below as we journey across Europe.
• The Grand Finale: Approaching Venice: Experience the unique perspective of gliding over the intricate network of islands and waterways that make Venice so utterly captivating. Seeing it unfold from above is an unforgettable experience.
• Landing at Marco Polo: Feel the gentle bump as we touch down, bringing our aerial adventure to a close and marking the beginning of my Venetian exploration.

These aren't professionally edited masterpieces, just raw, unadulterated glimpses of a personal journey. Think of them as a virtual window seat, offering a unique vantage point on a trip I'll always cherish.

The first clip shows the take off from Manchester Airport.

The following 2 pictures were taken during the flight the first somewhere over the Peak District shortly after take off and the 2nd somewhere over the Alps shortly before landing. Clicking either image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The next 2 clips were taken over the Alps and Italy, the weather changed between them even though they were only a few minutes apart.

The Alps.

Northern Italy and very cloudy below, a complete difference to the weather over the Alps.

The final clip shows the plane landing a Venice Marco Polo Airport. The surrounding area was flooded on the day I arrived Venice was suffering some of it's worst flooding in half a century.

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Whispers of Winged Giants: Croydon Airport's Echo in an Industrial Landscape

Croydon Airport, a name that once resonated with the glamour and pioneering spirit of aviation's golden age, now lies nestled within the hum of a bustling industrial estate in South London. To the casual observer, the sprawling warehouses and delivery trucks might seem worlds away from the sleek biplanes and record-breaking flights that once graced this very ground. But beneath the surface, the echoes of a bygone era linger, a testament to the airport's pivotal role in shaping London's aviation history.

In the roaring twenties and thirties, Croydon was more than just an airport; it was the gateway to the world. Known as "London Airport," it was the epicentre of British aviation, a hub of innovation and adventure. Imagine the scene: pioneering pilots, like Amy Johnson and Alan Cobham, taking off on daring long-distance flights, the roar of their engines mingling with the excited chatter of passengers embarking on their first aerial journeys. This was the era of leather flying helmets, open cockpits, and a sense of boundless possibility.

Croydon's significance extended beyond mere passenger travel. It was a crucial link in the Empire's communication network, facilitating mail delivery and connecting far-flung corners of the globe. The airport's control tower, a beacon of technological advancement, oversaw the intricate ballet of arrivals and departures, guiding pilots through the often-treacherous skies.

However, the very success of Croydon's operations ultimately contributed to its demise. As London's suburbs expanded, encroaching upon the airport's boundaries, the limitations of its size became increasingly apparent. The need for longer runways and greater capacity became critical, and Croydon, hemmed in by urban development, could not meet the growing demands of modern aviation. Consequently, the torch was passed to Heathrow and Gatwick, and Croydon's role as London's primary airport gradually faded.

Today, the site has transformed into a bustling industrial estate, a stark contrast to its former glory. Yet, remnants of its aviation past remain, whispering tales of a time when the sky was the limit. The most striking of these remnants is the former terminal building, now known as Airport House. This elegant structure, a testament to the Art Deco architectural style of the era, stands as a silent guardian of Croydon's aviation heritage.

Perhaps the most captivating feature of Airport House is the de Havilland Heron, suspended on struts at the entrance. This iconic aircraft, a symbol of post-war British aviation, serves as a poignant reminder of the airport's legacy. It's a tangible link to the days when Croydon was a hive of activity, a place where dreams took flight.

Walking through the industrial estate, one can almost hear the ghostly hum of radial engines and the excited announcements echoing across the tarmac. The control tower, though no longer guiding aircraft, still stands tall, a silent sentinel watching over the comings and goings of a different kind. The spirit of Croydon Airport, though transformed, persists, woven into the fabric of the landscape.

Croydon Airport's story is a reminder of the ephemeral nature of progress and the enduring power of history. It's a tale of ambition, innovation, and the inevitable march of time. As the industrial estate hums with activity, the echoes of winged giants continue to resonate, a testament to the airport's indelible mark on London's aviation legacy. It invites us to pause, to look beyond the present, and to remember the days when Croydon was the gateway to the world, a place where the dreams of flight took shape and soared

These pictures were taken on the 26th June 2015 with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.