I visited the Giant's Ring nr Belfast yesterday. In the centre of a Neolithic henge stands a dolmen, which is estimated to be around 4700 years old. The circular earthwork wrapping around the tomb really does transform the landscape into an arena, creating an undeniable air of reverence.
Scenes from a crunchy, glistering Saturday in Harrold, Bedfordshire
Two posts from British Library Oral History Archivist Charlie Morgan on the challenges of AI for oral history: key questions blogs.bl.uk/digital-scholarship/2024...
#ASR #OralHistory #ML #AI
Tall trees loom through the mist in a dense woodland
Because we can't have enough hauntingly beautiful trees in our feed, here's another misty photo from Salcy Forest, Northamptonshire at the weekend
A text-heavy graphic on a white background reads: Writing the Occult: The Uncanny. Our speakers do great things! Get in the mood for some uncanny goodness by reading Elizabeth Dearnley's collection of tales of the weird for the British Library. Deadly Dolls brings a selection of tales from across the years, all focused on 'uncanny playthings'. Writing the Occult: The Uncanny is a virtual event for writers & readers. It happens 18 January 2025. Details at writingtheoccult.carrd.co. The images show the cover of Deadly Dolls - a black-and-purple drawing of an old-fashioned doll - as well as Elizabeth herself and a drawing of an old-style talking doll. Elizabeth is a white woman with dark hair. She is wearing a red beret and red and black vintage-style clothes, and is looking up to the right corner of the photo.
We're blessed to have such talented folks joining us for Writing the Occult: The Uncanny - people like @elizadearnley.bsky.social, who's latest Tales of the Weird collection for the @britishlibrary.bsky.social is all about uncanny playthings. Tix now on sale. Details at writingtheoccult.carrd.co
From the @theguardian.com country diary archives today comes the story of the disappearing Glastonbury thorn trees. Written by Gwen McBryde in 1950. #naturewriting #countrydiary
Interesting. I've never actually visited, but I think I must investigate. Next time I'm over that way, I'll swing by as it looks like a fascinating corner of MK on Google Earth. I find these historic gems hidden in plain sight utterly captivating.
The light & shadow of winter I shall not wish away.
There's supposedly a holy thorn to be found in Shenley, Milton Keynes, of all places. It's entered local lore, inspiring the name of Glastonbury Thorn School and Holy Thorn road - totalmk.co.uk/news/history...
Low winter sun setting, illuminating a wet, tarmac road
At the close of the darkest day - winter #solstice dusk near Woodford, Northamptonshire
Tall trees loom through the winter mist
It was empowering to be surrounded by these lofty giants growing in Salcy Forest. There's an intimacy to be found in misty mornings, when reduced visibility seems to draw the world that little bit closer.
A monopoly board, but it's roman-themed with the traditional properties replaced with British Roman sites, rents in Denarii, roman numerals, and "Free Parking" is now "The Hypocaust". Obviously.
Right. Here's the finished version.
I peer into the murk of an old windmill through clouds of cobwebs and dust. Melancholy hangs heavy in this dark, circular room. In quiet sanctity, an aged millstone is illuminated by the weakening sun, patiently waiting for the wind to turn the lumbering sails one last time.