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Mark Chambers ARPS AFIAP CPAGB BPE3 | all galleries >> Old Work >> Trees in the Landscape > Goodrich Tree
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24-APR-2011

Goodrich Tree

This was taken on the way to visit Goodrich Castle (looking back the way we had just come).

Goodrich stands majestically on a wooded hill commanding the passage of the River Wye into the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat. The castle was begun in the late 11th century, by the English thegn Godric who gave it his name.
A generation later the splendidly preserved square keep which still forms its core was added, probably in the time of Richard 'Strongbow' de Clare, Earl of Pembroke and Lord of Goodrich 1148-76.
Under King Richard the Lionheart, Goodrich was granted along with the earldom of Pembroke to the famous William Marshal, a great castle builder who may have initiated work on the inner ward. Each of the Marshal's four sons inherited the fortress in turn, the last dying childless at Goodrich in 1245.
Thereafter the fortress and earldom passed to Henry VIII's half-brother, William de Valance, who rebuilt its defences and living quarters in the most up-to-date style.
Goodrich still boasts one of the most complete sets of medieval domestic buildings surviving in any English castle. William's widow Countess Joan frequently stayed here with an entourage of up to 200, entertaining her relations and friends in the most lavish style.
During the Civil War, Goodrich was held successively by both sides, Sir Henry Lingen's Royalists eventually surrendered in 1646 under threats of undermining and a deadly Parliamentarian mortar. The famous 'Roaring Meg', the only surviving Civil War mortar, has returned to the castle after 350 years. The visitor centre features an exhibition exploring life at the castle from its late 11th century origins until its dramatic fall in 1646, including Civil War artefacts.


http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/goodrich-castle/
http://www.goodrichcastle.co.uk/

Nikon D90
1/250s f/16.0 at 65.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Bert de Vos25-Jan-2012 14:59
Very well composed. V
Stefan Filla07-Aug-2011 19:07
Under this tree you will find peace and quiet, mysterious land of death is always followed by a rise.
Very beautiful light and colors perfectly photographed.
joseantonio26-Apr-2011 20:01
Beautifully composed image with very nice colors
Guest 24-Apr-2011 21:04
Great shot! V.
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