"Elizabeth Castle, Jersey" by Bradley Shawn Rabon
Towards the end of our time in Jersey, we were invited over to some friends’ house to have a BBQ. From their balcony, they have a marvelous view of the whole of St Aubin’s Bay, including this lovely view of Elizabeth Castle.
“The castle sits on the tidal island called L’Islet lying in St. Aubin’s Bay. Once the site of the Abbey (later Priory) of Saint Helier, the monastic buildings were finally taken over by the Crown at the Reformation and the surviving buildings were used for military purposes.
Castle construction began in 1594, and continued in the first years of the 17th century under the then governor of Jersey, Sir Walter Raleigh, who named it “Fort Isabella Bellissima” (the most beautiful Elizabeth) after Queen Elizabeth the First. Governors of Jersey moved their official residence from Mont Orgueil to Elizabeth Castle which was first used in a military context during the English Civil War in the 17th century. Charles II visited the castle in 1646 and 1649, staying in the Governor’s House, and was proclaimed King by governor Sir George Carteret despite the abolition of the monarchy in England. In 1651, Parliamentary forces landed in Jersey and bombarded the castle with mortars. The destruction of the mediaeval Abbey church in the heart of the castle complex which had been used as the storehouse for ammunition and provisions forced Carteret to surrender, and Jersey was held by Parliamentarians for nine years."
For so long I have wanted to get a shot of the castle with the tide out so that I could capture the path leading up to the castle. Our friends at who’s house I took this shot, have a painting similar to this. I have always been intrigued by their picture. The view from their balcony is one of the best I have seen and no one else will have a shot like this, so I am pleased. The sky was just right, moody and full of feeling. I decided to take it as a HDR image.
This is a HDR image combining 3 bracketed shots using Photomatix Pro 4
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark ll
28-300mm IS zoom lens (@ 170mm)
f/16
1/60, 1/125, 1/250
ISO 125
Tags
castle, jersey, elizabeth castle, sea, path, history, island
Comments
lovely shot. love the quiet colours, very peaceful. Maybe at one time not so peaceful
It is such a beautiful castle and it has a turbulent history. It was used by the Germans when the island was occupied during WW2. They actually did a lot to fix it up believe it or not. When the tide is in, they have DUCKS (amphibious buses) that take people to the castle or you can walk there when the tide is out like this. Thank you so much my dear friend for the lovely compliment.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
Very nice composition. I really like the leading road and the framing of the castle. Great to read the history too!
It is that road that really captures my imagination. I can imagine so many people down through the centuries traveling the path to the castle. The sky really sets the mood I was wanting to capture as well. Couldn’t have asked for a better day.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
Great shot with just the perfect touch of HDR to enhance it without being obvious. Love the composition and brooding sky!
Sorry for the delay… I thought I had already replied. Thank you my dear friend. I think I am getting a bit better at my HDR’s. It was the sky that first grabbed my attention. This view is quite unique and no one else will have it, so that pleases me as well….lol
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
nice scene, good image
Thank you greatly Ryan. I’m pleased you like it. I have been wanting to capture this scene for quite some time.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
Love it! Excellent composition.
Thank you again my friend. There is just something so magical about the castles on Jersey. I really appreciate the compliment.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon