take 43 photos of 43 places within 43 minutes of where I live

A slightly different angle on this goal in that no matter where you walk around the Kentish countryside you can find the most amazing hedgerow. This picture was taken just a 5 minute walk from where I live.

Set deep inside the Kent countryside and only 15 minutes from where I live the historic village of Wrotham is worth visiting. The first church was build in 964, and the current building, photographed above, dates from the 13th Century.

It was not until many years later that St George became the patron saint of England and this church became one of the first in the country to be dedicated to him.

By the way Wrotham is actually pronounced “root ham”

Knowle Park is the only remaining medieval deer park left in Kent, where Sika & Fallow deer roam freely amongst ancient oak, beech and chestnut trees, as they have done since the days of Henry VIII. The 1000 acre park was originally created for the Archbishops of Canterbury to use for hunting and recreation.

Less than 20 mins from where I live Knowle Park is a delight to walk around no matter what the season.

Photos of the deer can be found under comments.

These undulating hills form part of the coastal footpath stretching across the south of England. I went to Beachy Head just outside of eastbourne and was lucky enough to dodge the showers, seen here rolling in around the coastline.

3 more shots posted under comments.

No town conjures up more atmosphere of England’s historic past than Rye with its 12th century church, Augustinian Friary (the Old Monastery), Rye Castle with its Ypres Tower and the old town wall, originally built to protect the town from the French.

For centuries the little town of Rye, perched upon a sandstone hill at the estuary of the river Rother has watched over the Romney Marches, guarding the coast from foreign invasion. Originally granted to the Abbey of Fecamp in Normandy in 1027, Rye was finally reclaimed by Henry III in 1247 in exchange for other lands. The town then entered the confederacy of the Cinque Ports becoming a full Head Port in the 14th century. Duties involved supplying the King with ships and seamen in defence of the realm in return for freedom from taxation, and self-government. 13th century storms had changed the shoreline to form a large, safe harbour which encouraged a great increase in shipping. Today trawlers still line the fishermen’s quay, while boats from around the world shelter in the yacht basin.
Rye survived frequent attacks from the French. A few stone buildings still bear witness to the burning of 1377. Shortly after this the town’s defences were erected. A stone wall protected the town, parts of which, like the Landgate, remain standing.

The Ypres tower, now housing the museum, still stands guard with cannon aimed out to sea. The centre of the town was said by Samuel Jeakes, the 17th century historian, to be “beautified with a large church called St. Mary’s, the godliest edifice of its kind in Kent or Sussex, the cathedrals excepted”.

By the 18th century, however, Rye’s prosperity depended as much on smuggling as any legitimate trade. Professional gangs roamed the countryside, stored their ill-gotten gains in the old vaulted cellars and crept through secret passages and tunnels. You can tour some of the more mysterious parts of the town, but beware of the local ghosts!!

The curious appeal of Rye is that, unlike other towns that take you back to the past, Rye brings foregone ages into the present. Today Rye is not so much a living museum as a flourishing market town whose rich history is very much in evidence. Wonderful houses and shops from every period jostle together along the narrow streets, and while you may still see a ‘smuggler’ or two, they are more likely to be on their way to a local pub !!

This fabulous place is just within reach of my 43 minutes but a must see for anyone thinking of visiting the UK.

Marketed at the “loveliest castle in the world” Leeds Castle is about a 20 minute drive. Spectacular grounds lead to the most fabulous moated building, a must see for all of you who are thinking of coming to England.

This shot has a special theme because a couple of times a year the castle holds its own balloon festival.

Thought it about time I posted a few more pics under this goal. This statue is in West Malling, the closest town to where I live. A mixture of pubs, restaurants and shops, all collected around one street. Like most places in Kent there are some fabulous old buildings, and it even has as Abbey which sadly is closed to the public.

Teston is a little village situated on the River Medway and around 20 mins drive. Its in the middle of the Kent countryside and surrounded by rolling hills and fabulous beauty spots. This weekend I was looking after my Dad. He’s been pretty poorly over the past few months so thought a gentle stroll along the river would do him good.

The bridge goes back many centuries but it was rebuilt/widened in 1749 to allow horse, carts and carriages to cross. Today cars cross slowly in single file.

40 mins away and normally a fab location for photos but the light was terrible. Instead of a blue sky with white fluffy clouds it was very hazy and all very flat. This is the best out of a bad bunch.

I go on about my lakes a lot but they really are beautiful. On Thursday I was working from home and decided I needed a break. So I picked up my camera and went for a walk. After 6 grey months the sun was finally shining and with it came an abundance of beauty. I make no apologies for posting so many pics because I want to share with you all. I’ll start with a picture showing how close the apartments are to one of the lakes. Mine is slightly further away and a deliberate choice.

I’ll post more under comments as I get the time to upload.