A Wealth of History Photo

Photographer’s Note

The church of St. Andrew of Peebles was founded in 1195. The church was so damaged in 1549 by an English force that in 1560 the parishioners left the building and transferred to Cross Kirk.

It is believed locally that the army’s horses of a force of 3000 Cromwellian soldiers were stabled in the ruined St. Andrew’s Kirk. In 1663 the stones from Kirk were taken for the widening of Tweed Bridge. However, there are still many fine old gravestones in the cemetary.

(information from www.peebles.info)

I debated for a while before posting this image but decided to go ahead. Graveyards are public places and this is an extension of the public forum, in a way.

This graveyard contains a lot of history - from destruction by Cromwell's forces centuries ago to the recent lives and deaths of local townsfolk. This is a small town, pop 7,000. Nearly all of whom will know someone interred here. It is an important place for the town and walking around here is a humbling experience.

craiggc, laxpix, ollie59, nels has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Propofol (1786) 2006-07-19 8:18

Lovely shot, James! It has adapted very well to B&W, nice tonal range and perfect sharpness. Congratulations!

dougie (2920) 2006-07-19 8:31

Nice one James. Peebles is certainly rich in history and you captured this bit of it really well.
Dougie.

craiggc (2507) 2006-07-20 5:50

You've done well here James - good contrast and tonal range, nice sense of depth through careful composition.

The shadwows at this time of day have made a really good shot.

If you wanted to improve it I would suggest tilting the horizon (it's a little over to the right) and clone out that lamp post on the horizon - it's really annoying!

laxpix (656) 2006-07-20 11:18

Nice photo. Good Composition and the clounds they give move in ur photo.

MLINES (10966) 2006-07-23 3:13

Hi James, Good note to learn about this part of the world. Cropping a little tight on the RHS perhaps. The B&W gives a sombre look to this graveyard, appropriate. TFS. Murray.

ollie59 (776) 2006-07-25 8:18

great shot James ,really looks good in b and w ,and a great write up to
Andy

nels (2455) 2006-07-25 9:26

hi james good b&w photo its nice to see a church yard in such a well kept condition reading the headstones gives so much history well taken

adrian

branley (3681) 2006-07-30 2:16

Hi James,

I've never got as far as Peebles but I've heard it's a fine part of Scotland. This is a lovely composition and I like it in B&W. It's sharp and has good tone. Well done.

roamermark (1588) 2006-09-11 7:39

Hi James,
I"m into the old B&W these days and I think this is your best of those in terrms of the quality of the b&W tones themselves.
The pic itself is also very nicely composed and just so orderly its hard not to like
Cheers
Mark

Budapestman (42810) 2006-09-16 12:44

Hi James!
Interesting and spectacular architecture photo! Expressive and fine details! Good choice the B&W! Nice composition and very good atmosphere! Effective shot!
Thank you, nice days
George

wolfy75 (448) 2006-10-26 21:52

HI James
A lot of history indeed. Your photo is so sharp and clear I can read the incription on the grave marker at right. I also like the black and white approach.
Well done