England, May 2025

Exeter, Devon

Saturday, 24th May 2025

Tony next to an art installation. Lots of what appear to be rectangular scrubbing brushes are attached to a wall forming a pattern. The pattern appears to be semi-random, but could have some significance. This is taken at the small art gallery inside the Phoenix arts centre, formerly part of the Exeter College of Art and Design. The Phoenix houses a small cinema and live events are also held there.
Tony next to an art installation. Lots of what appear to be rectangular scrubbing brushes are attached to a wall forming a pattern. The pattern appears to be semi-random, but could have some significance. This is taken at the small art gallery inside the Phoenix arts centre, formerly part of the Exeter College of Art and Design. The Phoenix houses a small cinema and live events are also held there.
Tony alongside another art installation at Exeter Phoenix. There are tall narrow wooden boxes with various shapes cut into them.
Tony alongside another art installation at Exeter Phoenix. There are tall narrow wooden boxes with various shapes cut into them.

Cooper’s Hill, Gloucestershire

Monday, 26th May 2025

Tony part way up long steep Cooper's Hill. This hill is used for the annual Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake where participants race down the hill chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. The 200-yard (180 metre) section where this takes place is further up the hill and is even steeper than the part in view! The first written record of cheese rolling here is from 1826, but it could be much older. Participants were originally locals from around Cooper's Hill but today people come from all over the world.
Tony part way up long steep Cooper’s Hill. This hill is used for the annual Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake where participants race down the hill chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. The 200-yard (180 metre) section where this takes place is further up the hill and is even steeper than the part in view! The first written record of cheese rolling here is from 1826, but it could be much older. Participants were originally locals from around Cooper’s Hill but today people come from all over the world.
View of the surrounding countryside looking roughly north from Cooper's Hill.
View of the surrounding countryside looking roughly north from Cooper’s Hill.
Tony and friend Will outside a pub in Brockworth at the foot of Cooper's Hill. There is a large freestanding sign with letters spelling out '#CheeseRoll25'.
Tony and friend Will outside a pub in Brockworth at the foot of Cooper’s Hill. There is a large freestanding sign with letters spelling out ‘#CheeseRoll25’.
Another shot of Tony by the Cheese Roll 25 sign in Brockworth.
Another shot of Tony by the Cheese Roll 25 sign in Brockworth.

Powderham Castle, Devon

Powderham Castle is a fortified manor house located 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Exeter in Devon. It sits on flat ground to the west of the River Exe estuary. The medieval core of the house dates back to sometime after 1390. This original structure was built by Sir Philip Courtenay and the Courtenay family still own the house today. The building is Grade I listed.

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Large wooden panelled dining room inside Powderham Castle. The room can mostly be seen through a gold gilded mirror. In front is a table or cupboard with various plates and serving dishes on top. One plate has a fake joint of roast meat on it.
Large wooden panelled dining room inside Powderham Castle. The room can mostly be seen through a gold gilded mirror. In front is a table or cupboard with various plates and serving dishes on top. One plate has a fake joint of roast meat on it.
The music room inside Powderham Castle. A large organ is built into the wall to the left. A grand piano can also be seen in the corner beyond. This room also has a distinctive domed ceiling, but this is not in view. This is the largest room in the castle and was designed by James Wyatt in the 1790s. It was intended to host musical performances and is still used for this purpose today.
The music room inside Powderham Castle. A large organ is built into the wall to the left. A grand piano can also be seen in the corner beyond. This room also has a distinctive domed ceiling, but this is not in view. This is the largest room in the castle and was designed by James Wyatt in the 1790s. It was intended to host musical performances and is still used for this purpose today.
In another room at Powderham Castle. Looking towards a side table with a large mirror on top. There are several large leather-bound books on shelves below. On top are various items including a white marble bust of a bearded man and framed photographs. These are likely to be members of the Courtenay family who have lived here for centuries.
In another room at Powderham Castle. Looking towards a side table with a large mirror on top. There are several large leather-bound books on shelves below. On top are various items including a white marble bust of a bearded man and framed photographs. These are likely to be members of the Courtenay family who have lived here for centuries.
An old drum on a table at Powderham Castle. The outer shell is made of wood and thin ropes are attached to pull the drum skin tight.
An old drum on a table at Powderham Castle. The outer shell is made of wood and thin ropes are attached to pull the drum skin tight.
Looking into the corner of another room at the castle. An old gramophone can be seen on a table. There are also books on shelves, a portrait of a man, and a metal bell attached to the wall, which was probably used to call servants.
Looking into the corner of another room at the castle. An old gramophone can be seen on a table. There are also books on shelves, a portrait of a man, and a metal bell attached to the wall, which was probably used to call servants.
The main staircase inside Powderham Castle. This staircase dates from the 1750s. It includes elaborate Rococo plasterwork by John Jenkins.
The main staircase inside Powderham Castle. This staircase dates from the 1750s. It includes elaborate Rococo plasterwork by John Jenkins.
View of the impressive plasterwork on the staircase at Powderham Castle. It depicts birds, other animals and plants. The wall itself is painted in turquoise, and there are also portraits hanging on the wall, presumably members of the Courtenay family.
View of the impressive plasterwork on the staircase at Powderham Castle. It depicts birds, other animals and plants. The wall itself is painted in turquoise, and there are also portraits hanging on the wall, presumably members of the Courtenay family.
Crimson and white robes worn by the late 17th Earl and Countess of Devon to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2nd June 1953. A large photo in the centre shows the Earl and Countess dressed in their robes.
Crimson and white robes worn by the late 17th Earl and Countess of Devon to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2nd June 1953. A large photo in the centre shows the Earl and Countess dressed in their robes.
The coronet worn by the 17th Earl of Devon at the coronation of Elizabeth II. A coronet is a type of crown worn by non-reigning members of the royal family and also by peers on rare ceremonial occasions such as the coronation of a monarch.
The coronet worn by the 17th Earl of Devon at the coronation of Elizabeth II. A coronet is a type of crown worn by non-reigning members of the royal family and also by peers on rare ceremonial occasions such as the coronation of a monarch.
Intricate carved wooden panels at Powderham Castle. This geometric design is possibly on wall panels or a chest.
Intricate carved wooden panels at Powderham Castle. This geometric design is possibly on wall panels or a chest.
A collection of around 16 stuffed birds of various species. This taxidermy collection is displayed in a series a glass display cases.
A collection of around 16 stuffed birds of various species. This taxidermy collection is displayed in a series a glass display cases.
Another view showing even more glass display cases with stuffed birds. Some of the birds are sitting on rocks or dried vegetation.
Another view showing even more glass display cases with stuffed birds. Some of the birds are sitting on rocks or dried vegetation.
A Baroque-style cello made of papier-mâché. It was created by paper artist Gillian Taylor and is displayed at Powderham Castle.
A Baroque-style cello made of papier-mâché. It was created by paper artist Gillian Taylor and is displayed at Powderham Castle.
View along a driveway with the exterior of Powderham Castle in sight ahead. The house is built of stone with a gatehouse in front, a central tower and decorative crenellations along the roof. The building was never strictly a castle but rather a fortified manor house. The word castle was only added to the house's name in around the 17th century.
View along a driveway with the exterior of Powderham Castle in sight ahead. The house is built of stone with a gatehouse in front, a central tower and decorative crenellations along the roof. The building was never strictly a castle but rather a fortified manor house. The word castle was only added to the house’s name in around the 17th century.
Another shot of the exterior of Powderham Castle with flower beds in front.
Another shot of the exterior of Powderham Castle with flower beds in front.
An outside wall at Powderham Castle almost completely covered with a creeper or some other plant. Even the windows are mostly covered. In the foreground are formal gardens including topiary.
An outside wall at Powderham Castle almost completely covered with a creeper or some other plant. Even the windows are mostly covered. In the foreground are formal gardens including topiary.
A formal garden next to Powderham Castle. There is a small lawn in front with a stone urn in the middle. Roses and other plants are growing in the surrounding flowerbeds. The house has various towers and wings which have been added on at different times during its history.
A formal garden next to Powderham Castle. There is a small lawn in front with a stone urn in the middle. Roses and other plants are growing in the surrounding flowerbeds. The house has various towers and wings which have been added on at different times during its history.
The old kitchen at Powderham Castle. There is a large dresser with a collection of copper pans and other cooking utensils on display.
The old kitchen at Powderham Castle. There is a large dresser with a collection of copper pans and other cooking utensils on display.
The chapel located in the south wing of Powderham Castle. View down the nave towards the altar. Old dark wooden pews fill the spaces between the side walls and the central aisle.
The chapel located in the south wing of Powderham Castle. View down the nave towards the altar. Old dark wooden pews fill the spaces between the side walls and the central aisle.
Tony standing in front of an old wooden doorway outside the chapel. A sign at the side reads 'All You Need is Love'.
Tony standing in front of an old wooden doorway outside the chapel. A sign at the side reads ‘All You Need is Love’.
A terrace immediately outside Powderham Castle. There is a tower with a square profile in front where one of the house's wings extends.
A terrace immediately outside Powderham Castle. There is a tower with a square profile in front where one of the house’s wings extends.
he stone gatehouse at Powderham Castle. This was built between 1845 and 1847 to a design by Charles Fowler. It is joined to the house by walls forming an enclosed rectangular courtyard.
The stone gatehouse at Powderham Castle. This was built between 1845 and 1847 to a design by Charles Fowler. It is joined to the house by walls forming an enclosed rectangular courtyard.
Looking across the flat grounds of Powderham Castle with a hazy view of the River Exe estuary in the middle distance.
Looking across the flat grounds of Powderham Castle with a hazy view of the River Exe estuary in the middle distance.

Shaldon and Teignmouth, Devon

Wednesday, 28th May 2025

A substantial hut by the beach in Shaldon. This is a shelter used by passengers waiting for the passenger ferry that runs across the mouth of the River Teign between Shaldon and Teignmouth.
A substantial hut by the beach in Shaldon. This is a shelter used by passengers waiting for the passenger ferry that runs across the mouth of the River Teign between Shaldon and Teignmouth.
View across the mouth of the River Teign from Shaldon towards Teignmouth on the far bank. In the foreground, at the top of the sandy beach, are a row of small boats with canvas covers on top.
View across the mouth of the River Teign from Shaldon towards Teignmouth on the far bank. In the foreground, at the top of the sandy beach, are a row of small boats with canvas covers on top.
Shot of vegetation and trees in Homeyards Botanical Gardens in Shaldon. This small botanical garden on a sloping hillside is operated by Teignbridge District Council and has free entry. The gardens were originally private and were created by Maria ‘Laetitia’ Kempe Homeyard in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Shot of vegetation and trees in Homeyards Botanical Gardens in Shaldon. This small botanical garden on a sloping hillside is operated by Teignbridge District Council and has free entry. The gardens were originally private and were created by Maria ‘Laetitia’ Kempe Homeyard in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Tony in Homeyards Botanical Gardens in Shaldon. The site slopes down behind with the trunk and branches of a tree in view.
Tony in Homeyards Botanical Gardens in Shaldon. The site slopes down behind with the trunk and branches of a tree in view.
Tony sitting at an outside cafe table at Homeyards Botanical Gardens drinking a cup of tea. The cafe is open on weekday mornings, and is located in a castle folly, although this can't be seen in the photo.
Tony sitting at an outside cafe table at Homeyards Botanical Gardens drinking a cup of tea. The cafe is open on weekday mornings, and is located in a castle folly, although this can’t be seen in the photo.
Outside the lifeboat station in Teignmouth. The large main doors are open and the station's orange lifeboat can be seen inside. This is an Atlantic 85 rigid inflatable lifeboat. It is 8.5 metres long. Two motors can be seen attached to the back of the boat.
Outside the lifeboat station in Teignmouth. The large main doors are open and the station’s orange lifeboat can be seen inside. This is an Atlantic 85 rigid inflatable lifeboat. It is 8.5 metres long. Two motors can be seen attached to the back of the boat.
Tony outside Teignmouth Lifeboat Station. The first lifeboat station opened in Teignmouth in 1851 and it was taken over by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1854. The station closed in 1940 but reopened again in 1990 and has been functioning since.
Tony outside Teignmouth Lifeboat Station. The first lifeboat station opened in Teignmouth in 1851 and it was taken over by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1854. The station closed in 1940 but reopened again in 1990 and has been functioning since.
Tony by Teignmouth Lighthouse. This small limestone lighthouse is 6 metres (20 feet) in height. It was constructed in 1845 and is today Grade II listed. The lighthouse is still operational providing a navigational aid at the entrance to the River Teign where there are dangerous currents, rocks and shifting sands.
Tony by Teignmouth Lighthouse. This small limestone lighthouse is 6 metres (20 feet) in height. It was constructed in 1845 and is today Grade II listed. The lighthouse is still operational providing a navigational aid at the entrance to the River Teign where there are dangerous currents, rocks and shifting sands.