Thames Valley Magnets

A view across the Thames Valley from Aldworth in Berkshire, England. This is the scene looking from the Berkshire or North Wessex Downs across the Thames into Oxfordshre. In the distance are the Chiltern Hills, Captured on a sunny summer evening with the light just catching the edge of the hills.

The shadows are lengthening as the sun begins to set over the Thames Valley on an autumn afternoon. This is the scene looking over the fields just below Woodcote in Oxfordshire towards South Stoke and the Thames. On the opposite side of the valley in the far distance are the distinctive shapes of the Sinodun Hills - or Wittenham Clumps as they are usually called.

Looking out over the beautiful Thames Valley from the North Wessex (or Berkshire) Downs. This view was captured just above Streatley-on-Thames and looks north towards the Chiltern Hills. This is an area of lush farmland. Cultivated fields lie next to green meadows - frequently inhabited by sheep.

A digital drawing of the superb view over the Thames Valley from Lardon Chase. Below is the village of Streatley-on-Thames in West Berkshire, whose church can be seen in the centre. Then further across, passing over the Thames (invisible here) to Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. Beyond that the lower slopes of the Chiltern Hills. Lardon Chase, also called Streatley Hill, is a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on chalk grassland rising steeply above the village.

The view from Hailey in South Oxfordshire near Wallingford looking across the Thames Valley towards Didcot and Wantage. Hailey is on the edge of the Chiltern Hills and in the backgound can be seen the blue haze of the Berkshire - or North Wessex Downs. Here we're standing outside the King William IV public house which lies at the dead end of the lane which largely comprises the hamlet of Hailey. The building itself is C17th and is Grade II listed. The image has a digital coloured pencil finish

The parish church of St Mary in the Thames-side village of Streatley in Berkshire, England. It lies very near the river and is almost next to the bridge linking Streatley with Goring. The church dates from the 13th century but was largely rebuilt in the mid 1800s as it was becoming rather dilapidated. However, many of the original building materials were used such as stone and the flint used for facing. At this time the nave roof was heightened and the clerestory windows added to give more light. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200

The scene walking by the lock at Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. This side of the lock has a profusion of flowers whilst on the island, next to the lock keeper's cottage, are neat gardens. In the background the river rushes through the weir before flowing onward to Pangbourne and Reading. At this point the Thames passes between the Chiltern Hills and the North Wessex Downs - this is known as the Goring Gap.

Standing on the side of the river lock at Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, looking over to the white painted lock keeper's cottage and the wooden office. The top gates are open and the lock chamber is full waiting for the next boat travelling downstream to enter. The weeather's been hot so there are umbrellas over control boxes to offer shade to the operator!

Looking upstream from the road bridge, the weir at Goring on Thames in Oxfordshire, England. On the island to the right stands the white painted lock keeper's cottage, conveniently situated between the lock and weir. Here the Thames flows between the North Wessex or Berkshire Downs to the south and the Chiltern Hills to the north. This feature is known as the Goring Gap. Not surprisingly this stretch of the river is popular with both painting and photographic artists. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200

The eastern approach to the lock at Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. The weir and lock island with its picturesque white painted lock keeper's cottage are on the left. Behind us the Thames flows on to Pangbourne and Reading and ahead is the route to Wallingford and Oxford. Here the river passes between the North Wessex Downs to the south and the Chiltern Hills to the north in a passage known as the Goring Gap.

Looking across the churchyard to the Church of St Thomas of Canterbury at Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. The buildings of this Grade 1 listed church date from the C12th but have, of course, undergonr periods of restoration. Here we are looking at the east end and the apsidal chancel. Inside, the Rood Screen is made of timber from HMS Thunderer, one of Nelson's ships at Trafalgar.

A monochrome image of three vintage boats moored on the banks of the River Thames near Pangbourne, Berkshire. The one nearest the bank certainly looks as if it's steam powered - and did it once work on the River Severn?

Three old boats moored on the banks of the River Thames near Pangbourne. The one nearest the bank certainly looks as if it's steam powered - and did it work on the River Severn? This image has been given a texture, pencil drawing finish.

This picturesque footbridge crosses an arm of the Thames as it passes by the village of Little Wittenham in Oxfordshire. This is found just below Days Lock and here it is seen from the Thames Path National Trail. Until quite recently this bridge was the scene of the annual Pooh Sticks Championships - competitors dropping their sticks from the upstream side and watching them race under the bridge with the current. The bridge leads to the village church and the Wittenham Clumps - two tree crowned hills and prehistoric settlement -an Oxforshire landmark.

Boats moored on the Thames riverbank at Cookham in Berkshire. This is part of the Thames Path, a long distance trail which follows the river all the way from Cricklade in the Cotswold Hills to the Thames Barrier in Greenwich, London. Cookham, on the banks of the Thames is a village lying in the furthest north-east corner of Berkshire. Here the artist Sir Stanley Spencer lived and painted, many of his works of art being set in the environs of this village. He is buried in the churchyard here.

The parish church of St Mary in the riverside village of Streatley-on-Thames in Berkshire, England. It lies very near the river and is almost next to the bridge linking Streatley with Goring. The church dates from the 13th century but was largely rebuilt in the mid 1800s as it was becoming rather dilapidated. However, many of the original building materials were used such as stone and the flint used for facing. At this time the nave roof was heightened and the clerestory windows added to give more light. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200

The pathway leading from a country lane to the Norman church of St Nicholas at Ibstone, Buckinghamshire. This ancient church sits surrounded by trees on the edge of the village of Ibstone. The village, which is a mere six miles from High Wycombe, is reached through narrow country roads and lies on the edge of a hillside in the Chilterns Hills overlooking spectacular wooded valleys.

The old abbey buildings at Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England. This view is of the Checker with its distinctive chimney. This building dates from about the 1260s and is the oldest surviving part of the abbey buildings. The abbey was first founded in the C7th but in the C9th was destroyed by the Danes. Rebuilt, it came to prominence in C10th and at the time of Henry VIII's Dissolution, the abbey was reckoned to be the sixth of the richest in England. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200

At the end of the lane in Ipsden Hailey, South Oxfordshire, stands the King William IV pub. The building dates from the C17th and is a Grade II listed historic building. Hailey is a small hamlet on the edge of the Chiltern Hills overlooking the Thames Valley. From here you can see as far as Didcot and Wallingford - the local town. Not many cars rushing by here as this is as far as you can drive. After this it's walking or cycling only! The image has a coloured pencil finish.

A digital pencil drawing of the parish church of St Mary the Virgin at Ipsden in Oxfordshire on the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills. The church overlooks the Thames Valley and is surrounded by farmland. Originally a small Saxon chapel, it was enlarged in the 12th century with stones from a nearby church which had fallen into disrepair.

The Norman church of St Nicholas at Ibstone, Buckinghamshire, England. This old church sits surrounded by trees on the edge of the village of Ibstone in Buckinghamshire. Ibstone itself, which is a mere six miles from High Wycombe, is reached through narrow country roads and lies on the top of a hillside in the Chilterns overlooking wooded valleys. This Grade II listed church has a nave which dates from the 12thC, as do the chancel arch and font. The 15thC pulpit is thought to be one of the first in the country (priests stood on the chancel steps before that). The 12thC entrance seen in the image is protected by a wooden porch added in the 19thC. The church and the manor farm next door belong to Merton College Oxford, the advowdson or ...

The parish church of St Mary the Virgin at Ipsden in Oxfordshire on the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills. The church overlooks the Thames Valley and is surrounded by farmland. Originally a small Saxon chapel, it was enlarged in the 12th century with stones from a nearby church which had fallen into disrepair. This image has been given a faded, vntage feel.

A vintage style black and white image developed from my original phoyograph of the parish church of St Mary the Virgin at Ipsden in Oxfordshire. This picturesque old church stands on the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills overlooking the Thames Valley and is surrounded by farmland. Originally a small Saxon chapel, it was enlarged in the 12th century with stones from a nearby church which had fallen into disrepair.

Cottages in the churchyard at Turville in Buckinghamshire. This picturesque village lies in the Chiltern Hills as they roll down into the Thames Valley. Not surprisingly it has been the location for many films and TV productions such as The Vicar of Dibley and Midsomer Murders! Photographed late in the afternoon during July. The image has added textures.

A picturesque cottage in the village of Turville, Buckinghamshire. The village is situated in the Chiltern Hills as they drop down into the Thames Valley. Nearby are the towns of Henley, Marlow and High Wycombe. Not surprisingly this pretty village has been the setting for many films and TV productions such as The Vicar Of Dibley and Midsomer Murders. This was photographed late one July afternoon. The image has added textures.

The lock keeper's cottage at Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. Situated where the Thames flows between the north Wessex (Berkshire) Downs and the Chiltern Hills known as the Goring Gap. The first lock here was a flash lock with paddles instead of gates. The first pound lock was constructed in 1787 using oak. The rather fine lock keeper's cottage dates from 1879, just before the lock was rebuilt in 1886. The last rebuild was in 1921 with a refit in 2003.

A digital sketch of woodland lit by winter sunshine. This image was created from my original photograph taken on a January walk in Sulham Woods, West Berkshire. This woodland, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) lies on the hills above the village of Sulham near Pangbourne. Here we are in the beechwoods which overlook the village and give views across the Thames Valley to Oxfordshire. A favourite place for dog walkers - my two labradors loved it here!

A remaining turret in the walls of Wallingford Castle in Oxfordshire, England. Hard to believe that this was once one of the most powerful castles in England - it was begun by Robert D'Oilly in 1067 on the orders of Wiliam I to control the Thames Valley. Over the years is was expanded and became a royal residence as well as fortress. During the Civil War of the 1100s, Matilda took refuge there. from King Stephen's armies. After the Civil War of the 1600s, it was 'slighted' or partially destroyed.

Part of the ruined buildings at Wallingford Castle in Oxfordshire, England. Hard to believe that this was once one of the most powerful castles in England - it was begun by Robert D'Oilly in 1067 on the orders of Wiliam I to control the Thames Valley. Over the years is was expanded and became a royal residence as well as fortress. During the Civil War of the 1100s, Matilda took refuge here. from King Stephen's armies. After the Civil War of the 1600s, it was 'slighted' or partially destroyed by Parliamentary troops.

On a bright summer evening looking across the Berkshire (North Wessex) Downs near Aldworth, a pretty downland village in West Berkshire, England. And following a leisurely photographic session - what better than a pint in the village inn! Nikon D200 Nikkor 18-200

Part of the ruined buildings at Wallingford Castle in Oxfordshire, England. Hard to believe that this was once one of the most powerful castles in England - it was begun by Robert D'Oilly in 1067 on the orders of Wiliam I to control the Thames Valley. Over the years is was expanded and became a royal residence as well as fortress. During the Civil War of the 1100s, Matilda took refuge there. from King Stephen's armies. After the Civil War of the 1600s, it was 'slighted' or partially destroyed.

The footpath from Tidmarsh to Sulham in West Berkshire as it passes over a brook, sometimes called locally the Tid Brook, This image was captured during a January afternoon as the sun was getting lower in the sky producing lovely warm colours. Sulham, seen in the distance below the trees of Sulham Hill, is a small village lying by the Sul Brook which makes its way to the Thames just downstream from Pangbourne.

Looking across the churchyard to the Church of St Thomas of Canterbury at Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. The buildings of this Grade 1 listed church date from the C12th but have, of course undergone periods of restoration. Here we are looking at the east end and the apsidal chancel. Inside, the Rood Screen is made of timber from HMS Thunderer, one of Nelson's ships at Trafalgar.

A digital pencil drawing of the view over farmland looking towards South Stoke in Oxfordshire. Here we are looking over the Thames Valley on a sunny afternoon in very early November. In the distance are the now demolished cooling towers of Didcot Power Station - once an immediately recognisable landmark. Just a little furtherbehind us is the village of Woodcote

The brook flowing through the fields separating the villages of Tidmarsh and Sulham in West Berkshire. The footpath leads walkers across the water by way of a wooden bridge. This is the view looking west towards Tidmarsh on a winter's day. A little further along the path is Tidmarsh Mill on the River Pang, once the home of Lytton Strachey and Dora Carrington. The meadow just across the bridge here is called Oxley's Shaw. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200

Snow has fallen on the meadow known as Oxley's Shaw in Tidmarsh, West Berkshire. The brook flowing under the wooden footbridge has frozen and snow covers the footpath l;eading over it. This path joins the villages of Tidmarsh and Sulham with the River Pang just beyond the line of trees in the background. It was in Tidmarsh Mill that Lytton Strachey and Dora Carrington lived for a while, so it became a centre for the Bloomsbuty Set. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200