Images by IanWL

The Kennet and Avon Canal on the stretch above Woolhampton in Berkshire, England. Captured on a late afternoon in October with the almost bare trees reflected in the water. The Kennet and Avon Canal, 87 miles long, was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Kennet and Avon rivers and thus provide a smooth transport link between Bristol and London via Reading. It fell into disuse due to the Great Western Railway but was completely restored and reopened in 1990.

Looking across the River Thames at Wallingford in Oxfordshire, England towards the town. This bridge links Wallingford with Crowmarsh Gifford. A bridge was first mentioned in 1141 when King Stephen besieged the castle. However, the first stone bridge was built slightly later and there are apparently elements of this medieval structure in the bridge we see now! Across the river we can see the spire of St Peter's Church dating from 1776-7, a local landmark. This image captured on an autumn afternoon.

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.

A busy scene at Heale's Lock, no.93, on the Kennet and Avon Canal near Woolhampton in Berkshire, England. This lock was originally constructed as a turf sided lock between 1718 and 1723 under the supervision of the engineer John Hore of Newbury. It was rebuilt with brick sides in the late 1980s when the canal was undergoing complete restoration.The K&A was built between 1794 and 1810 to link the Kennet and Avon rivers, providing a smooth transport link between Bristol and London via Reading.

Plenty of activity at Lock 93, Heale's Lock, on the Kennet and Avon Canal just above Woolhampton in Berkshire, England. One narrow boat, heading downstream is waiting whilst another, coming upstream is locking through.This lock was built between 1718 and 1723 under the supervision of engineer John Hore of Newbury. Originally a turf-sided lock it was rebuilt in brick when the canal was being restored in the 1980s. After many years of neglect,The Kennet and Avon was fully reopened in 1990.

A swan family on the grassy slope of the wharf near the town centre of Hungerford in Berkshire, England.This lovely market town, famous for its many antique shops has the Kennet and Avon Canal flowing through its centre. In the mid 1800s the wharf area would have been a hive of activity with boats loading and unloading at the industrial buildings here The canal, 87 miles long, was constructed in 1794 -1810 to link Bristol with the River Thames at Reading giving a direct link to London.

The view looking eastwards from Pangbourne in Berkshire, England, towards the Whitchurch toll bridge captured on a late summer afternoon. The toll bridge, one of only two remaining on the Thames joins Pangbourne in Berkshire with Whitchurch on Thames in Oxfordshire. There has been a bridge here since 1792, the present iron one, constructed in 1902 being the third. The author Kenneth Graham lived at Pangbourne, the river being immortalised in his book 'The Wind In The Willows'.

The towpath running alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal between Hungerford in Berkshire and Marlborough in Wiltshire, England, captured on a sunny autumn afternoon. The Kennet and Avon Canal was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Thames at Reading with Bristol, enabling goods to be transported from London to Bristol. It fell into disuse due to the Great Western Railway but was and reopened in 1990 and is once more busy - now with leisure craft.

A narrowboat heads upstream on the Kennet and Avon canal near Woolhampton in Berkshire, England. This image was captured on an autumn afternoon with the trees lining the banks turning to gold. The Kennet and Avon Canal, 87 miles long, was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Kennet and Avon rivers and thus provide a smooth transport link between Bristol and London via Reading. It fell into disuse due to the Great Western Railway but was completely restored and reopened in 1990.

Looking over the moat to Caerphilly Castle (Castell Caerffili in Welsh) in the County Borough of Caerphilly, South Wales. Captured late in the afternoon as shadows are lengthening. Built in the late 13th century by Gilbert de Clare in order to secure this part of Wales from being taken over by the Welsh leader Llewellyn, building was begun in 1268 and it was immediately attacked! Building was then recommenced in 1271 and now It is the largest castle in ground area in Wales! Its surrounding moat and lakes are now a haven for wildlife.

The parish church of St Lawrence at Hungerford in Berkshire, England. The church is just to the west of the town next to the swing bridge crossing the Kennet and Avon Canal. It was totally rebuilt in 1814 in the Regency Gothic Revival style using Bath Stone which was transported along the canal. Further refurbishment then took place in the mid 1800s. The canal itself was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the cities of Bristol and London, joining the Thames at Reading,

The scene from the Thames Path as it leads into Marlow on Thames in Buckinghamshire, England. Crossing the river behind the moored narrow boat is the iconic suspension bridge linking Buckinghamshire with Berkshire. Designed by William Tierney Clark it was opened in 1832 and is the prototype for the Szechenyl Chain Bridge over the River Danube in Budapest. To the left of the bridge is the landmark spire of All Saints Church which dates from 1835.

The castle at Brecon (Aberhonddu) in Wales, standing above the River Honddu close to where it flows into the River Usk. This was one of the first stone castles in Wales, built by Bernard de Neufmarche in 1093. The Welsh, however, destroyed the town in the 1100s and so a stone shell keep and outer walls were built by the early 1200s. The section in the image dates from c.1300. In 1645 Parliament captured the castle and slighted (razed) the walls to prevent future defensive use.

Just below the swing bridge carrying the road over the Kennet and Avon Canal at Sulhamstead in Berkshire, England. The surrounding buildings are reflected in the water and the whole scene is bathed in late afternoon sunlight. The Kennet and Avon Canal, 87 miles long, was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Thames and Avon rivers, providing a smooth transport link between Bristol and London via Reading. The canal, once almost derelict, was restored in the late 1900s, being fully opened in 1990.

The parish church of St Lawrence at Hungerford in Berkshire, England. The church stands slightly to the west of the town alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal. It was rebuilt in 1814 in the Regency Gothic style and was faced with Bath stone which was brought along the canal. A little later, in mid-Victorian times it was further renovated. The canal was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link Bristol with London via Reading. Abandoned in the early 1900s, it was renovated and reopened in 1990.

The Town Bridge, or as it is known locally, The Water Bridge, crossing the Kennet and Avon Canal in the centre of Newbury in Berkshire, England. The River Kennet was made navigable from Reading to Newbury in the early 1700s under the supervision of the engineer John Hore of Newbury, work commencing in 1718. It was extended further west to Hungerford in 1798. The bridge probably dates from this period. The canal was finally opened to connect with Bristol in 1810.

A view of Caerphilly Castle (Castell Caerffili) in Caerphilly, South Wales, from the western end of the surrounding lakes and moat. Built in the late 13th century by Gilbert de Clare in order to secure this part of Wales from being taken over by the Welsh leader Llewellyn, building was begun in 1268 and it was immediately attacked! Building was then recommenced in 1271 and now It is the largest castle in ground area in Wales! Its surrounding moat and lakes are now a haven for wildlife.

A lived-in narrowboat moored on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Hungerford in Berkshire, England. This image was captured on a sunny autumn afternoon with the still water reflecting the trees. The Kennet and Avon Canal, 87 miles long, was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Kennet and Avon rivers and thus provide a smooth transport link between Bristol and London via Reading. It fell into disuse due to the Great Western Railway but was completely restored and reopened in 1990.

The scene looking from the toll bridge over the River Thames to the church and houses clustered round the millpond at Whitchurch on Thames in Oxfordshire, England. Whitchurch is on the north bank of the river, opposite the village of Pangbourne in Berkshire on the south bank. The toll bridge connects the two. The church is the parish church of St Mary, originally medieval although it was extensively rebuilt in 1858 by the architect Henry Woodyer.

Donnington Castle is in the village of Donnington near Newbury in Berkshire, England. It dates from 1388 when Sir Richard Abberbury was given Royal permission to build fortifications. In the 15th century the castle passed into the hands of Thomas Chaucer, son of the poet Geoffrey Chaucer. Henry VIII is reported to have stayed here in 1539, as did his daughter Elizabeth I in 1568. At the start of the English Civil War it was in Parliamentary hands before being taken by the Royalists. Finally retaken by Parliament it was 'slighted' to prevent further use.

Seen from the north side of Caerphilly Castle, in the centre of Caerphilly, South Wales, the imposing gatehouse towers above the moat. Castell Caerffili (in Welsh) was built in the late 13th century by Gilbert de Clare in order to secure this part of Wales from being taken over by the Welsh leader Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Building was begun in 1268 and it was immediately attacked by Llewellyn! Construction was then recommenced in 1271 creating the largest castle in ground area in Wales!

A view of Marlow on Thames in Buckinghamshire looking downstream towards the suspension bridge. This bridge, opened in 1832 and designed by by William Tierney Clark links Buckinghamshire with Berkshire on the south bank. It is also the model for the Szechenyl Chain Bridge over the River Danube in Budapest. To the left is the parish church of All Saints which dates from 1835 and replaced a 12th century building which had been demolished. This stretch of the Thames is famous for rowing.

Looking south across the River Thames from the Buckinghamshire bank to the parish church of All Saints at Bisham in Berkshire, England. The church dates from the 12th century, the squat Norman tower being built around 1175. The buildings were extended over the following years, particularly by the Hoby family who lived in nearby Bisham Abbey. Walking along the Thames Path between Marlow and Henley on Thames, the buildings of both the church and abbey can be seen only a short distance from Marlow.

A view of the old bridge at Chepstow in Monmouthshire, Wales. This graceful cast iron bridge crosses River Wye connecting Wales with Gloucestershire in England. Designed by John Rastrick of Bridgenorth and constructed in 1816, it is supported by enormous piers to withstand the force of the tidal flow. Here the water can rise and fall up to 14 metres - one of the highest ranges in the world!

Chair bodging is a craft particularly associated with the beechwoods covering the Chiltern Hills. The bodger here is working at his pole lathe, often referred to as a High Wycombe lathe, turning out chair legs for the furniture industry. Bodgers would usually buy stands of trees and set up their workplace among them. The Chilterns are known for their typical furniture with turned wooden legs and stretchers - such as the Windsor chair.

Flanked by towers, the massive gateway leading in to Chepstow Castle, Wales. Standing above a crossing point on the River Wye, this is one of the oldest castles in Britain and it boasts the oldest doors in Europe! Building began in 1067 under William Fitz Osbern, forming the southernmost in a chain of castles guarding the Welsh Marches. It was later used in the conquest of Gwent in the 12th century. In the 1600s, it became a Royalist stronghold but after the Civil War it fell into disuse.

The wharf at Hungerford on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Berkshire, England. This view is from the town bridge looking upstream to the lock. A pair of boats are about to moor at the wharf. During the mid 1800s, this was a thriving industrial area lined with buildings. Boats would have been busy loading and unloading goods such as Bath stone for building. The canal was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Thames at Reading with Bristol, enabling goods to be transported from London to Bristol.

A narrow boat moored just upstream from the medieval bridge over the Thames at Wallingford in Oxfordshire, England. There has been a bridge here at least since medieval times, the first mention being in 1141 when King Stephen besieged Wallingford Castle. The present bridge, dating largely from the 18thC is thought to contain 13thC brickwork within its 22 arches. It spans the Thames linking Wallingford with the village of Crowmarsh Gifford on the opposite bank.

Looking across the Thames to Bisham in Berkshire, England. This view is from the towpath leading from Marlow to Henley-on-Thames. On the far bank is the parish church of All Saints at Bisham which dates from the 12th century. This stretch of the river is famous for its rowing clubs and rowers - particularly Sir Steve Redgrave. Near the church is the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.

An excursion boat taking sightseers along the River Thames, passing the 12th century church of All Saints at Bisham in Berkshire, England. This stretch of the river is famous as a centre for rowing. Next door to the church is the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre and just downstream is Marlow in Buckinghamshire with its rowing clubs.

Looking over the moat to Caerphilly Castle (Castell Caerffili in Welsh) situated in the centre of the County Borough of Caerphilly, South Wales. The image was captured during a late September afternoon after heavy rain showers. Built in the late 13th century by Gilbert de Clare in order to secure this part of Wales from being taken over by the Welsh leader Llewellyn, building was begun in 1268 and it was immediately attacked! Building was then recommenced in 1271 and now It is the largest castle in ground area in Wales! Its surrounding moat and lakes these days are a haven for wildlife rather than for defence!

The small town of Velez Blanco in the Almeria province of Anadalucia, Spain. Above the town is the fine Renaissance castle built by the Marquises of Velez Blanco in the early 16th century as an extension to the Moorish alcazaba. The castle is now just a shell as the Dukes of Medina sold the interior to an antiques dealer in 1904. The courtyard is now in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

A view of Caerphilly Castle (Castell Caerffili) in Caerphilly, South Wales,from the western end of the surrounding lakes and moat. Built in the late 13th century by Gilbert de Clare in order to secure this part of Wales from being taken over by the Welsh leader Llewellyn, building was begun in 1268 and it was immediately attacked! Building was then recommenced in 1271 and now It is the largest castle in ground area in Wales! Its surrounding moat and lakes are now a haven for wildlife.

The south side of St Laurence's church in the village of Tidmarsh, Berkshire, England. This lovely old C12th church has a superbly decorated Norman doorway within the porch; a Norman font, C13th lancet windows - two with the remains of medieval wall paintings and some rare floor tiles. The wooden bell cote is supported inside by sturdy oak beams intricately carved - apparently by the wife of a vicar in the C19th. A path by the church leads to the River Pang flowing to join the Thames at Pangbourne.

A bench overlooking the old road bridge at Chepstow, Monmouthshire in Wales. This graceful cast iron bridge crosses River Wye connecting Wales with Gloucestershire in England. Designed by John Rastrick of Bridgenorth in 1816, it is supported by enormous piers to withstand the force of the tidal flow. Here the water can rise and fall up to 14 metres - one of the highest ranges in the world!

A pleasure boat taking its passengers along the River Thames passing the parish church at Bisham in Berkshire, England. The 12th century parish church of All Saints at Bisham stands on the banks of the Thames and is next door to Bisham Abbey, the national Sports Centre. Unsurprisingly, racing boat crews can often be seen training on the Thames here. The pleasure boat has probably come from the Buckinghamshire town of Marlow on Thames just downstream.