Salisbury Cathedral - moved to higher ground

Salisbury

Here on a super-sized, manicured, bowling green sits the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Gothic from the get- go, building begun in 1220.

The masons of Salisbury have excelled. The Chapel of the Holy Trinity, at the east end, is one masterpiece, a fearless assembly of willowy Purbeck marble pillars. The Chapter House is a similar flight of geometric fancy, this is Decorated ‘bravura’.

Salisbury is the result of Bishop Richard le Poore’s successful lobbying of Pope Honorius III to move the church to a less damp and flood-prone spot. Honorius III said yes in 1217 and hey presto, stunning Gothic, restored across the years but unbowed, set on a lovely lawn.  

Extract from my new book, English Cathedrals. Capturing the wonder of these very special places in 60 exciting drawings. Order via http://bit.ly/2tbCoE

PREVIEW MORE HERE http://bit.ly/timhome2go

St Paul's! Baroque-tastic

St Paul’s Cathedral

The Great Fire of London 1660 cleared the way for something new, and Sir Christopher Wren has given us the finest renaissance church in the land. Its dome is 365 feet high to the top of its cross, it is emblematic of the City of London.

We entered through the familiar west front and like everyone else paid our £16 (excuse me!).

St Paul’s has expansive cruciform layout. An arresting baldacchino, high up, drapes itself over the choir and high altar. This is actually a recent addition (1958) based on a sketch by Wren.  Every piece of sculpture, the ceilings and walls and floors all celebrate Baroque. We are dead lucky to have St Paul’s as the renaissance entry in the ‘English Cathedrals’ Roll of Honour’.

Extract from my new book, English Cathedrals. Capturing the wonder of these very special places in 60 exciting drawings. Order via http://bit.ly/2tbCoE

PREVIEW MORE HERE http://bit.ly/timhome2go

Philip Penguin

Phillip the penguin

Stood on the edge,

Contemplating a dip.

Was it going to be terribly cold?

Especially with his new hip!

Pelican, yes he can

Peter the Pelican fishes each day,

To put some food on the table.

Mrs P looks calmly on,

And hopes he will be able.

Oliver Owl

Oliver Owl’s a clever fowl,

He wakes me every morning,

And then flies off,

To his house,

Without the slightest warning!

Harry the Hare

Harry the hare,

Just wouldn’t dare,

To ever be late for lunch.

As fast as he can,

Across the land,

Because the invite said Brunch.