In today's tour of Britain, we are at the letter O and travel from Oxford Street, London, at Christmas, up to a medieval Cathedral in Ely, and then across to Oxfordshire with a visit to Otmoor Nature Reserve.
| Oxford Street Christmas Lights |
Christmas lights in Oxford Street, London, taken from outside Selfridges.
| Octagon Tower of Ely Cathedral |
Ely Cathedral dates back to 1083, and cathedral status was granted it in 1109. Until the reformation it was the Church of St Etheldreda and St Peter, at which point it was refounded as the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Ely, continuing as the principal church of the Diocese of Ely, in Cambridgeshire, England. Architecturally it is outstanding both for its scale and stylistic details. Having been built in a monumental Romanesque style, the galilee porch, lady chapel and choir were rebuilt in an exuberant Decorated Gothic. Its most famous feature however is the central Octagonal tower, with lantern above, which provides a spectacular internal space and, along with the West Tower, gives a unique exterior landmark that dominates the surrounding landscape. Ely Cathedral is a major tourist destination, receiving around 250,000 visitors per year, and sustains a daily pattern of morning and evening services.
| Otmoor Nature Reserve |
| Otmoor - Reflections Of A Fence |
Otmoor is an RSPB nature reserve just outside Oxford that spans a total of 262 acres. It was once an extensive marshland but it suffered significant damage to the habitat due to drainage. The RSPB have been undergoing a program of restoration which when completed will see the nature reserve at Otmoor as one of national importance for bird lovers.
There are approximately 90 different species of birds that currently breed at Otmoor and the winter months see an influx of wildfowl and raptors such as the Short Eared Owl and the Peregrine.
As usual, my work is available to purchase as original Wall Art, in a variety of formats from stretched canvas or framed prints, metal or acrylic prints,or simply as standard prints for you to mount in your favourite picture frame. They are also available as greeting cards or printed onto iPhone or Galaxy phone cases, throw pillows or duvet covers or tote bags or shower curtains. Simply click on the image and you will be taken to my gallery where you will find full details.
