Historic ruins

A great place of history to wander around and soak in our heritage and with scenes like this too, how can we be disappointed. Founded in 1201 by Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor, this was the last Cistercian monastery to be built in Wales.The abbey is believed to have housed up to about sixty brothers, 20 choir monks and 40 lay-members who would have carried out the day-to-day duties including agricultural work.In 1537, Valle Crucis was dissolved,

One can almost imagine the monks in the year of 1201 having their first meeting in here, Now the chiselled stone has gone green with moss but its still pretty impressive.

Not far from the little railway town of Llnagollen in Wales we have this marvellous old Abbey. More info: cadw.gov.wales/daysout/vallecrucisabbey/?lang=en

Only another 600? steps to go out of the 1350 altogether from the town far below to the top of the ruined castle where the flag beckons. This castle also called St Johns was built on and off between the ninth and nineteenth centuries. Fortunately a prayer in the passed 'Health Church' gives one safe deliverance to the top and then down again.

A view of the Ancient Dodona Theater here at Igoumenitsa. It is hard to believe that these seats were often full of adoring people watching and listening to the plays that were often staged here in this desolate spot.

Taormina in Sicily is a facinating place. The old Greek Theatre built high above the town gives us a great view here. Its hard to believe that these walls were built in the days of the Roman Empire.

Also known as the Prince of Wales shaft. Seen here from the back. This old tin and and later, copper mine is situated near the village of Minions on the Bodmin Moor of Cornwall UK. It operated in the 19th century but closed in 1914. it was part of the Phoenix United Mine group.

This castle just above Kendal in our Lake District is interesting enough, but with an evening sunset sky like this, well it is what we photographers long for. Enjoy full screen.

Another fine pyramid in this giant archaeological site.: The Osario itself, is a step-pyramid temple dominating its platform. Like its larger neighbour (The Castle), it has four sides with staircases on each side. There is a temple on top, but unlike El Castillo, at the center is an opening into the pyramid which leads to a natural cave 12 metres (39 ft) below. Edward H. Thompson excavated this cave in the late 19th century, and because he found several skeletons and artefacts such as jade beads, he named the structure The High Priests' Temple. Archaeologists today believe neither that the structure was a tomb nor that the personages buried in it were priests. ...............Modified Wiki

Another of my Chichen Itza ruin shots. These Mayan ruins date from about 600AD This temple encases or entombs a former structure called The Temple of the Chac Mool. The archeological expedition and restoration of this building was done by the Carnegie Institution of Washington from 1925 to 1928. (Wiki)

Usually referred to as El Castillo ("the castle"). This step pyramid stands about 30 metres high and consists of a series of nine square terraces, each approximately 2.57 metres (8.4 ft) high, with a 6-metre (20 ft) high temple upon the summit. Inside the temple chamber was a Chac Mool statue and a throne in the shape of Jaguar, painted red and with spots made of inlaid jade On the Spring and Autumn equinoxes, in the late afternoon, the northwest corner of the pyramid casts a series of triangular shadows against the western balustrade on the north side that evokes the appearance of a serpent wriggling down the staircase, which some scholars have suggested is a representation of the feathered-serpent god Kukulkan. (Wiki)

Overlooking my home town of Oldham and neighbouring towns of Ashton and Mossley. This monument has stood within my home eyesight for most of my longish life now. At 940' ASL it can get a bit nippy up here, especially when the snow is blowing. A previous tower was built here in the early 18c which you can see the remains of behind these youngsters, but the main tower started life in 1863. The town directly ahead is Oldham. For you photo technicians this was created using 22 portrait Raw photos with my 23mm Nikon lens, then stitched together with MS ICE. I used a Lee ND filter to darken the clouds. The original of this was around 30,000 x 6000. Enjoy

Seen on our Roundstone trip. Also better known as Bunowen Castle. A chance sight but well worth recording here. Seated on Dun Hill in the area of Bunowen, County Galway. Built in the 1500s and overlooking a private beach which in the old days was used as the main access here for the ‘Ferocious O’Flahertys’ were seafarers; the head of the clan, Donal, even married the legendary pirate queen Granuaile (Grace O’Malley). (bravoyourcity.com) more info; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aughnanure_Castle

Quite a walk from the road, high above here. The castle actually faces a beautiful bit of coastline only about 200 metres below and right left of me here. One of those ruins which looks better from afar rather than nearby where you see the decay. A nice detour though and completely free to wander down this track. See PiPs In reality an old ruined Manor House built c. 1818 for John D'Arcy, the local landowner, in the Gothic Revival style. Uninhabited after 1894 it fell into disrepair. In 1935, ownership passed to a group of tenants, who were to own it jointly, and it quickly became a ruin. WiKi

We see here the back of this ruined castle which is in reality an old ruined Manor House. See Pip for classic view.

Seen just of the N71 near 'Ladies View' on the way to Killarney, Ireland. After not finding any reference to this on my research one of our fellow Ipernity viewers came up with the answer. With prominent towers, the Mulgrave Barracks appear to be an ancient castle, but it is really the remains of a nineteenth century Royal Irish Constabulary station from the nineteenth century. Makes for a very interesting subject though. See the comment by Keith, below. Looks good full size on black.

We can see this local monument from our windows. To get there, it is a 60 minute walk or a short car ride. In the depth of winter, it is another story altogether, as you can see, my once walked country lane that I traveled –completely blocked by deep snow and drifts. The fence here-part of the scene as well. This was actually taken in 2010. A little too nice to be left languishing and so its nice to present it back here in our HFF group. Enjoy full size on black. HFF, have a great weekend.

A view across the beach to Ballinskellig castle. Seen on our Valentia Island/Ring of Kerry tour. Ballinskelligs Castle is more commonly known as McCarthy Mór Castle. It is in fact a Tower House and was built in the 16th century by McCarthy Mór. It is thought that it's purpose was twofold. Firstly to protect the bay from pirates and also from which to charge a tariff on incoming trade ships. www.theringofkerry.com/ballinskelligs-castle Enjoy.