"Grosnez in Bloom" by Bradley Shawn Rabon
This photo is presented AS IS, a shot straight from my camera.
Whilst on holiday on the island of Jersey, I arranged to meet up with long time friend and fellow Redbubbler Karen Millard. Whilst out photographing, we arranged to meet up with new Redbubble friend Gary Power at Grosnez Castle. I have taken many shots of this lovely structure, and I was looking for a new angle, and found one. The Heather was in full and beautiful bloom. The purple and pink hues really set off that lovely Jersey granite.
The castle was built around 1330 on the orders of Sir John des Roches. The walls were built from the local granite and are thickest on the landward side. Its position on a clifftop 200 ft (~ 60 m) above the sea means that on three sides it is protected by the natural features of the site. A ditch dug into the rock provides protection on the fourth side.
The castle was captured in 1468 and again in 1540 by the French, but now lays in ruin. Local legend has it that much of the stone was used to build St. Ouen’s Manor. What is known is that locals took down the castle deliberately and used the stones on their own land particulary around the Mont Mado area of St. John from where the stone originally came.
What remains today is a gatehouse separated from the mainland by a big ditch and a section of wall. It is now looked after by the Jersey Heritage Trust.
Please enjoy this image large to get the full experience.
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, grosnez, jersey, granite, heather, pink, purple, blooms, flowers
Comments
nice scene
Thanks Ryan. I love visiting these ruins. It’s such a peaceful place. Much appreciated.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
So this is what you were up to when I was afraid you were going to fall down the cliff! Beautiful
I was rather close wasn’t I? I was looking for that unique shot and I am pleased to have found it, though my arms and shoulder were in pain…. ouch….. Thank you greatly my friend.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
What an absolutely beautiful shot. Your comp is wonderful
Thank you so much. I was laying on the ground, considerably close to the edge of the cliff. It has been a while since we have talked. How have you been?
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
nice one shawn
Thank you very much my friend. What a wonderful compliment. I do love this place. My wife and I managed to go back here the day we were leaving… and picked some blackberries to take home and make Jam… Yummy on our toast every morning.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
Terrific shot. Beautiful.
What a kind compliment Graham. Thank you very much indeed.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
Exquisite, Brad!!
Great to read the history of the place, too!
That is such a brilliant compliment…. I have a huge grin on my face now. Thank you my friend. Blessings.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
wonderful image
Thank you deeply. It is such a beautiful place and I am pleased that I get to share it with everyone. I very much appreciate the compliment.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
That is just fab. Thank you greatly for the honour and privilege. I really appreciate it.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
The blue sky and beautiful foreground really make this photography eye catching.
Thank you Steven. I was quite lucky with the day…. The day before had been grey skies, and the next two days after were rain. We seem to have chosen the right day to meet up. I appreciate the compliment.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon
Congratulations!
That is so fantastic. Thank you greatly my dear friend. That’s cheered me up no end.
– Bradley Shawn Rabon