As today is Armistice Day, I thought it might be appropriate to post this photograph as a tribute to all those who served their country and the many that didn't return home. The original is part of my family research papers.

I know nothing about the image other than one of the soldiers is my grandfather and that has been confirmed by one of his daughters. Where the photograph was taken and indeed when is a mystery - after or during the Great War! The fact there is a variety of different cap badges might suggest it was after the war and maybe they were men he worked with.

I particularly liked the little dog between the legs of the young man in the front row. Perhaps a boy soldier!

Tags:   Old Photograph

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Building of this Tudor Mansion near Ilminster in Somerset commenced in 1538 and in subsequent centuries it was occupied by various families. It became a Grade 1 listed building in 1959 which gives it legal protection from demolition or major alteration without prior approval from the local authority – Somerset Council.

Today it is owned and managed by the National Trust, having acquired it in 1907, and is open to the public.

Like many National Trust properties, it has been used for films and television productions – the most recent being the BBC series Wolf Hall.

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Grateful thanks to everyone who has looked at my photostream and commented and/or faved this photograph. Your interest is very much appreciated.
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Tags:   United Kingdom Great Britain England Somerset Grade 1 Listed Building Barrington Barrington Court National Trust Ilminster

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I have considered uploading this photograph for a while but am unsure whether it would be of any interest to anyone.
I am in possession of the original which forms part of my family research project which I started some 20 years ago. The photograph shows my great great grandfather and great great grandmother in the garden of their cottage in a rural part of Dorset. The exact date it was taken is not known but has to be pre 1911 as she died that year.

They seem to be dressed in their best clothes which would suggest it was a special occasion that warranted a photographic record. It is doubtful they owned a camera as it is unlikely such equipment at that time would be affordable - they were ordinary country folk who had raised 15 children in an age when there was no National Health Service nor Government assistance. It is more likely they hired a professional photographer to record the event which I guess was circa 1906.

I find it amazing that both of them were born during the reign of King William IV. This was before Queen Victoria came to the throne and before William Fox – Talbot invented the photographic process which created a negative image and thus enabled an unlimited number of positive images to be created. Photography had arrived! Surely one of the most important inventions ever made by man!

Tags:   United Kingdom Great Britain Aged Photograph England Dorset Old Photograph Cottage Cottage Garden Yetminster

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There has been a mill at Hambleden on the River Thames since at least 1086 when it was recorded in William the Conqueror’s Domesday Book. This mill was built in the late 18th century and possibly incorporates part of an earlier 17th century building. It is now apartments and has been so since the 1970’s.

It was designated a grade II listed building in 1955 and as such is protected from demolition or major alteration without prior approval from the local authority.

Tags:   United Kingdom Great Britain England Henley on Thames River Thames Mill Water Mill Reflections Buckinghamshire

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This photograph was taken in June last year during a 1940's day in the village of Southwick, Hampshire. It has languished on my computer since then so decided it was time to show it the light of day. For a change I thought I would upload something in black and white

Tags:   United Kingdom England Hampshire Southwick Horses Working Horses Country Life Horse and Cart Shire Horses Tonemapped

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