What a great sunny spring day, today has been…… from zero to 12c.
Beware of those passing clouds. Temperatures instantly plummet by at least 5 or 6 degrees c. Just a reminder that winter still has a long and stinging tail and spring is slow to take control.
But whatever you have control of……
12th April
(C) David Oakes 2021
The weather may not be the most spring like, but progress is being made towards Spring. With new leaves flourishing on the Sycamore, one of our early trees to come into leaf, you could be persuaded that Spring was here. These shiny and colourful leaves are only on the lower branches at the moment…. the lofty heights are I guess a touch colder, so those buds have yet to pop
Fresh new leaves ….. well its another step forward 🙂
12th April
(C) David Oakes 2021
To be truly accurate the above is actually called the Little Castle. So before I take you inside, let me explain.
The Little Castle is really a tower within the walls of Bolsover Castle. Bolsover Castle stands high above the north Derbyshire Countryside. Built on the site of a Medieval Fortification, Bolsover Castle was the dream of Sir Charles Cavendish. Construction started in the very early 1600’s, with work on the Little Castle commencing in 1621. Work halted and some damage done when the Castle was occupied by Parliamentarians in the English Civil Wars of 1642/51.
It should be mentioned that the Castle was never intended as a Fortification. After the Wars, it was restored and construction continued, to complete the Castle built for pleasure. So don’t be surprised at the sumptuous and lovingly restored interior of the Little Castle. So lets pop inside for a brief peak…
Pleasure was not just limited to the Little Castle. The main Castle complex is more substantial, in terms of size, rooms, terraces and galleries, all spread along the hillside. Today much of these buildings are only shells, but still convey the enormous size and complexity of the Castle.
Part of this complex was the concept of Sir William Cavendish who built a Riding School and Stables for the elegant horses he imported from as far afield as Turkey and North Africa. Today exhibitions of Cavalier Horsemanship is demonstrated for visitors. Sadly I cannot illustrate this modern and exciting aspect as photography of the Demonstrations is not permitted.
I hope you have enjoyed our Saturday Tour…two castle in one cannot be bad. Now don’t forget to shut the door when you leave 🙂
10th April
(C) David Oakes 2021
We have had dire weather warnings for days now. Certainly it has been bitterly cold…. so cold that one person on my morning walk remarked that “it was too cold to snow”
Well late afternoon we received the long predicted fall of snow. It will not last, the ground is far too warm now….. in fact its melting as I type.
Will we get some more… who knows!
6th April
(C) David Oakes 2021
Early morning Spring sunshine is starting to open the buds of the Wood Anemone. Even once they start to flower, they keep the buds shut until the sun catches them, then slowly unfurl their outer white leaves to reveal the delicate golden centre. At the end of the day the close up tight again.
Sadly they are only short lived. But for a short while they grace the edges of our woodland paths..
It will not be long now before the Bluebells are covering the woodland floor with a carpet of Blue. Wood Anemone, like Bluebells, rely upon this brief spell of early spring, when the life giving sun can reach the woodland floor. Once the Tree canopy, of new leaves, casts its dark shadow over everything, they will fade away till next Spring.
6th April
(C) David Oakes 2021
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