This week's bench is at the back of Durham Cathedral overlooking the river and it's sylvan banks. The old fashioned serpent design on the metalwork fits in well with the weathered stonework of the ancient walls.
Along the riverbanks one gets glimpses of ivy-clad trees. Since taking these photographs a few weeks ago, the foliage has grown, obscuring much of the view.
An occasional shaft of sunlight illuminates a jewel-green lawn, contrasting strikingly with the pink walls of the riverside building.*
The atmosphere all around is of tranquillity steeped in history.
*
Bench of the Week has been begun by RuneE of Visual Norway. Do visit his beautiful blog and the other participants of Bench of the Week!
20 comments:
Just beautiful. I love the serpent bench, that definitely deserves bench of the week!
Thank you Catherine. It does fit well with it's surroundings.
A beautiful location for your bench this week and the accompanying photos provide that calming sense one acquires when entering woods. The serpents in the metal work is an interesting style from the past.
That was a bench that fitted very well with a cathedral, and I would have loved to walk along the river. Did you know that the cathedral "Nidarosdomen" in Trondheim, Norway is modelled on the Durham Cathedral?
Thank you Barbara.
The Riverbanks are looking beautiful at present, with the aroma of wild garlic adding to the pleasure. I will post some more on this area!
Thank you RuneE. There will be more river photos soon!
I did not know about the "Nidarosdomen" Cathedral. Do you have photos of it?
This is probably the most unusual bench I've ever seen. I love the serpent design, pointy tail and all!
Thank you Diane. It is a great design, isn't it!
My first viewing of such a bench like this also! I suppose there is a reason for the embellishments. . . great catch!
Thank you PERBS! Maybe I will ask to see if there is some mythology or history relating to the embellishments.
That bench is a gem!
The big ol' stone house by the river, is that the Wear?
Rob
That riverside building is wonderfully rustic. What's the history behind this place? It looks like a place where important treaties could have been signed.
This is my favorite bench to date. The serpentine ironwork is striking.
Hi Rob,
Yes it is the River Wear. I think the house may be something to do with rowing, though I'd have to check on that.
I'm getting obsessed with benches now, with doing this 'meme'! I saw three more of the same design today.
The Riverside building does look wonderful, Prospero. There were many important treaties signed in Durham in ancient times. The Prince Bishops had a lot of power - I'm not too good on details as my knowledge of plants is much greater than my knowledge of history!!
I'm glad you like the bench.
Wonderful photos! The bench is art work!
Thank you Naturegirl. Glad you like the photos and bench!
What an unusual old bench. Fascinating. I am really enjoying the bench tour. What a beautiful area.
This is an interesting bench - I like it. I can't make up my mind if it looks comfortable to sit on. I hope you've tried :)
The house next to the river looks so lovely and peaceful -
Glad you are enjoying the bench tour, Lona! I shall keep looking for interesting seats wherever I go - there do seem to be a lot in this area.
I have tried the bench, Bim! It is comfortable for a while, but not for too long - last week's had a better back rest.
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