Donnington Castle

This week has been planned and booked for so long it was hard to believe that today it was actually happening. After the great success of our family week away in Dorset last Easter, we decided to repeat the experience again – this time in the Isle of Wight. John and I left home soon after 7 this morning with our first stop scheduled at Donnington Castle near Newbury (Hampshire). This wonderful old castle is high enough to give wonderful views all around. It as originally built in 1386 and bought by Thomas Chaucer (son of the well know Geoffrey). It withstood an eighteen month siege during the Civil War and, as a result of the bravery of the then royalist leader, the towers were allowed to stay standing while the rest of the building was demolished.  


The sun was high and bright so I attempted a shot creating lens flare and a star burst- quite successful although there are blown out highlights (my filters were packed away in the car and not easily retrievable).


We then climbed up a local hill - site of an old iron-age fort where the 5th Earl of Caernarvon is buried (one of the discoverers of Tutankhamun's tomb) before driving on to find Netley Abbey near Southampton – this was CLOSED!!!!!  A great shame as it looks fantastic – the best example of a Cistercian monastery in England so needs a visit at some time.  I managed a few shots through the railings - one attached as an extra.


We were early for our ferry over to the island which was then delayed due to a technical issue.  Good crossing over though and only a short dive to where we are staying where we met up with the rest of the family.


No time last night for blipping but the wifi appears quite good - uploading this blip will be its test!