Sunnyside Studio

The name Northumberland means exactly what it says:- the land north of the River Humber. In the past this has included all the land between the Humber and Forth, at other times much of this same area has been part of Scotland. Even after an accepted border was established, which follows a line beween Berwick and Carlisle, the centuries of cross border strife continued for centuries more. As a result, the border regions have more castles and fortifications per square mile than any other part of the country.

One of the finest of these is at Bamburgh. There have been fortifications on this site since pre Roman times, but AD 547 is the start of its historical importance. In that year King Ida conquered Northumberland and made Bamburgh his capital. Later it was owned by his grandson Ethelfrith's wife Bebba and known as Bebbanburgh, which evolved into the modern name.

The present structure was begun in Norman times and their formidable fortifications remain largely intact. The castle was never taken, although it was besieged on numerous occasion, particularly during the Wars of the Roses. Only the invention of effective cannons rendered this, and all other castles, largely redundant.

The Forster family were granted the castle by Elizabeth the First and retained it until the eighteenth century when they were forced through bankruptcy to sell to Lord Crewe, the bishop of Durham. In the nineteenth century the castle passed to the Armstrong family who have remained the owners until today. They were responsible for the massive restoration work which which allows the modern visitor to enjoy such a splendid and dramatic structure.

The basaltic sill which provides such a formidable defensive site for Bamburgh Castle, continues into the North Sea where it forms a series of low rocky islands; the Farne Islands, a sanctuary for thousands of sea birds and a colony of seals.

This is the view from the castle wall, across the magnificent beach to Inner Farne, one of the larger islands, with its lighthouse and chapel.

Minnewater is towards the outskirts of the old part of the city and used to be an inland port. Minnewater can be translated as �The Lake of Love� and it is certainly a beautiful and romantic spot. The water is home to many ducks and swans and reflects the surrounding trees, churches and fine houses. The tower to the right of the bridge is the fifteenth century Poederforen or Gunpowder Tower. It is very much part of the tourist trail and even in December a constant stream of visitors were passing in their horse drawn carriage tours of the city.

The branches of a nearly leafless beech soften this view of one of Bruges� many stone arched bridges. This one links Spinolarei and Speigelrei.

You can reach Bruges from London in just over three hours for �59 return. Get yourself a cheap return ticket on an early Eurostar to Brussels, which is valid to any Belgian station, and you can be there for lunch. We did this in early December last year.

The old houses of Bruges often back directly on to the canal giving fine views from their windows. Sometimes there is space for a small garden or patio. This is very close to the first view along the same canal and looking from a street called Augustijnen Rei. The overhanging trees, sunlight and shadow, reflections, the arches of the bridge�the scene almost demands that you stop and record it.

This 83 metre tower dominates the whole town and provides a fine view if you climb the 366 steps to the viewing platform. It was built in the 13th century and the octagonal top section was added in the 15th century. The tower contains a whole peal of bells, which can play a selection of tunes with the aid of an elaborate clockwork mechanism, and can be heard below throughout the day. This is very much the centre and busiest part of the town.

The tour round Bruges in a horse-drawn carriage is available throughout the year, even as here in December - warm clothing strongly advised! Part of the tour is a visit to the 13th century Beguinage, now a Bennedictine Nunnery. While the visitors are looking round the horses are fed. The drivers, no doubt, have found somewhere warm to wait.