English Heritage Photojournalism.

[SLIDER IMAGE]

A THREE PART PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT:

AMY MOORE TAKES US THROUGH SOME OF ENGLISH HERITAGE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORICAL SITES IN AND AROUND WINCHESTER.

NETLEY ABBEY

Images taken with Canon 450D Digital SLR.

Experimentation with focus points/close up.

(TEXT FROM BOTTOM)

“Today much of the abbey is in ruins but it still remains one of the best preserved and most romantic Cistercian abbeys in the country.” (40 seconds)

(FROM TOP)

“Cloister became a courtyard with the fountain at its centre. The narrow slit windows of the old monastery were enlarged to create windows more suited to a Tudor long gallery.” (3:35 minutes)

(FROM RIGHT)

“From the middle of the 18^th century, visitors fascinated by the remote past came here to enjoy its wild and romantic atmosphere.” (4:20 minutes)

(FROM BOTTOM)

“Ivy clumped to the church walls. Trees grew here in its floor. Fallen stones offered seats to sit on and ponder the melancholy spectacle.” (4:30 minutes)

Additional Facts (FROM LEFT):

• Founded in 1239 and was inhabited by a colony of Cistercian Monks from Beaulieu Abbey and there was never more than 15 monks there at one time.
• The Abbey Cloister was where the monks came to study, exercise and pray.
• Eight religious services would have been held throughout the day and night in the Church opposite the Cloister entrance.
• Three linked archways that lead to the Chapter House, where the monks met to discuss the running of their community.
• In 1536, after his break with the Catholic Church, Henry VIII attempted to demolish the poorest of the monasteries, with Netley Abbey only having a small income. The seven monks that inhabited it were evicted and it was converted into a Tudor Mansion.
• Local author Jane Austen visited the abbey.
• In the late 17^th century, a Southampton builder bought the building with the intention to knock it down, but was crushed to death by falling masonry before completion.
• From the Victorian times, it became a popular tourist site, with the owner stripping the abbey of all its Tudor qualities to further accentuate its medieval heritage.

All facts and quotes sourced from the Netley Abbey audio tour available on the English Heritage website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/netley-abbey/audio/

WOLVESEY CASTLE

Images taken with Canon 650D Digital SLR.
Experimentation with light sensitivity (ISO).
Blurred effects caused by spots of rain on camera lens.

(FROM TOP LEFT)

    “In its hay day, one of the most magnificent buildings in Medieval England, but today all that remains are its bare walls and foundations.” (10 seconds)

           

    (FROM BOTTOM)

    “When it was built in the 12^th century only churches and royal palaces were usually made of stone, so this material in itself would have made a big impression on medieval visitors.” (2:00 minutes)

  (FROM LEFT)

    “Originally, there was a series of windows above the pointed arches at the top, and below at the bottom, there would have been an impressive chair for the bishop, most probably set against colourful wall paintings or hangings.” (4:15 minutes)

  (FROM TOP RIGHT)

   “To this day, this remains the home of the bishop of Winchester, continuing the 1000 year connection between bishops and this corner of Winchester.” (11:45 minutes)

  Additional Facts (FROM LEFT):

• The name ‘Wolvesey’ is derived from ‘Wolf’s Island’ due to two streams situated each side of the land. 
• Became home to the bishops of Winchester in 10^th century, with the current living in a house just to the left of the castle.
• Winchester’s city walls were built by the Romans, but were made higher in the Middle Ages as a form of defense for royalty and religion.
• Before 10^th century, bishops had lived in privatised religious communities. When they began to undertake more public/political roles, a new stone palace was built to accommodate them as a reflection of their new wealth and status (early 12^th C)
• The East Hall was where the bishop welcomed visitors and held ceremonial feasts for guests. It was later revamped and used by Henri de Blois (grandson of William the Conqueror) as a meeting hall for church leaders.
•  Henri de Blois was bishop here from 1129 up until his death in 1171. It was suggested his designs within Wolvesey were inspired by Cluny Abbey in France, where he spent his childhood. 
• The kitchen space was originally used as a treasury which stored all the bishop’s money and records of estates.
• A wooden platform overlooking the West Hall clearly demonstrates the underground medieval drainage system built by Henri de Blois. This area was private and housed the bishop’s bedroom and additional chambers for royal guests.
•  In later 17^th century, Bishop George Morley renovated the old palace, but in 1680’s made the decision to demolish it and build a brand new one in its place. 90 years later, most of it was taken down and only the west was left standing.

      All facts and quotes sourced from the Wolvesey Castle audio tour available on the English Heritage website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/wolvesey-castle-old-bishops-palace/audio/

    TITCHFIELD ABBEY 

    Images taken with Canon 650D Filming Kit.

    Experimentation with aperture (more/less light)

    Cold/eerie effect and sky becomes more defined.

   (FROM TOP RIGHT)

    “Before you enter, take a good look at this magnificent Tudor frontage with its dominating gatehouse.” (13 seconds)

  (FROM BOTTOM)

   “It would have looked even more magnificent then because instead of being walled in as it is today, it would have been the centre of a splendid estate surrounded by fine stables, well stocked fish ponds and large gardens.” (25 seconds) 

  

  (FROM BOTTOM)

   “Within the pavements of the cloister walks are some of the finest surviving medieval tiles in England.” (1:31 minutes)

  (FROM BOTTOM LEFT)

   “Created in what was for the period, a radically modern mock medieval style, place house was meant to impress visitors with the owner’s power and taste.” (4:30 minutes)

  Additional Facts (FROM RIGHT):

• Titchfield Abbey was founded in 1231.
•  Pavement on approach to the refectory engraved with a Latin inscription which says “Before you sit down to your meat, first remember the poor.”
• Abbey was inhabited by “White Canons”/Priests, namely so because of the white robes they wore. 
•  Location of Chapter House (situated to the left of the library) indicated by circular markings on the grass where its support columns once stood. Priests would gather here daily to discuss important religious matters. 
•  In the 16^th century, the Abbey was converted by Thomas Wriothesley (first Earl of Southampton) into a Tudor Mansion. It was named ‘Place House’ and the old Chapter House was converted into his own Private Chapel.
• Aspects of Place House were later torn down to build up parts of Cams Hall in Farnham. 

All facts and quotes sourced from the Titchfield Abbey audio tour available on the English Heritage website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/titchfield-abbey/audio/

    Follow the FLICKR link for more images of Netley Abbey, Wolvesey Castle and Titchfield Abbey.

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