Faces from the past (theme)

2010.07.14

You wouldn't want to argue with those teeth!

I found this chap guarding the end of one of the choir stalls.....

...while this lady was waiting patiently by the entrance to the crypt.

One of the angels from the chapel above the crypt.

I decided to visit Bosham Church in search of something for today’s ‘old’ theme. The church itself qualifies very well. There has been a church on the site since the 7th century and the current building dates from the 11th century. It has played an important part in English history over the years too – it was the place from where King Harold set off to France in 1064 – an event pictured in the Bayeux Tapestry. Bosham’s other claim to fame is as the place where King Canute tried, unsuccessfully, to hold back the tide. Inside the church there is a small tomb where his eight year old daughter is buried after she drowned in the nearby millstream.

I timed my visit to the church exceptionally badly today – when I arrived it was occupied by about 75 school children, all drawing bits of the church. I contented myself with photographing architectural details as sweeping vistas were going to be impossible. My first subject was a carved stone monster who sits beside the base of one of the pillars. I think all the pillars had them originally but they’ve worn away (presumably from centuries of parishioners running their hands over them) and they now only remain in good condition on one pillar. I have no idea what he’s supposed to be but I wouldn’t want to mess with those teeth! From there I decided to look for other faces in the church to make a set, the best of which I’ve posted here, along with my monster!

Great shots! Enjoyed the post!

HoosierAtHeART · 2010-07-14: 12:15

Very beautiful and interesting set :)

josy63 · 2010-07-14: 12:38

Great post! I like it!

BlacKami · 2010-07-14: 12:44

love the way you captured tham. great use of angles

slowpete · 2010-07-14: 13:13

Beautiful angles in this set especially no3

MoMac · 2010-07-14: 13:19

Fantastic set!

wildduck · 2010-07-14: 13:21

Wow those are awesome captures

mystic1 · 2010-07-14: 14:09

wonderful wonderful wonderful :)

mountainflower · 2010-07-14: 14:52

Beautiful and very interesting. You caught some great details! :)

MsCumberdale · 2010-07-14: 15:33

Fantastic macros again!

????? · 2010-07-14: 18:03

Excellent captures. That first one is pretty scary and you captured all of them well!!

SunflowerGirl · 2010-07-14: 22:39

I especially like the third one.

maharba · 2010-07-15: 00:04

Excellent captures:)

boszorka65 · 2010-07-15: 09:14

excellent dof and details, creative angles and perfect lighting

urmysunshine · 2010-07-15: 10:25

Interesting shots! My fav is #3, face is so kind..

NellyBly · 2010-07-15: 11:48

Well, you easily went to Plan B when you saw all the children and ended up with some great shots anyway! The history of this place is so interesting.....thanks for bringing it to us through the images and words!

lookagain · 2010-07-15: 17:30