The river is still high and today it has started to snow. This clip finishes with the arse-end of Pulteney Bridge, which is a sight which not many tourists get to see. Victorian merchants had no respect for Palladian architecture.
When it was first built, you could walk the length of this bridge on both sides, on the inside. It was like Burlington Arcade in negative. The Romans had a wooden bridge a little further upstream, and in later years there was a ferry right here. There was also a ducking stool, but for some reason the practice fell out of favour.
The snow is now falling quite heavily outside (where else?). I love snow. It is so entertaining in these boring times.
Glad the ducking stool fell out of flavour. I remember when they rescued a little muntjac deer from that river, and there was a kerfuffle in the newspapers because it was 'foreign' and should not be given its freedom.
ReplyDeleteThe place has many muntjac now.
DeleteI love the feeling of big snowflakes melting on my face (for a small time) and staring into a sky when they fall down. And the whiteness of snow in the sun makes me smile and happy.
ReplyDeleteI discover the beautiful word "kerfuffle" above. Looked it up. As an oxymoron I might now describe a heavy snowfall as "silent kerfuffle" - I think it matches beautifully!
DeleteKerfuffle could also be the sound you make when walking through snow.
DeleteWe have a sort of similar word: if a person "walks" lazily in slippers without taking up the shoes, we say he "schuffeld" (colloquial)
DeleteYes, we say 'shuffled'.
DeleteIt's rather ordinary and ugly, the bridge, from that side. At least the Rialto is good looking from either side.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting, though. All listed now of course.
DeleteNow, now Tom - joke about ducking stools always falls on sensitive ears here as I was born on Hallowe'en.
ReplyDeleteNo jokes about pumpkins too?
DeleteDarling Tom,
ReplyDeleteWe have been delighted by the little video. A new wonder of Blogger technology which we shall endeavour to include in future posts ourselves.
Although this may be a less attractive view of Pulteney Bridge, it is, neveretheless, fascinating for its historical layers.
Do you remember Steve and Gina who brought the monogrammed dinner service to you? Of corse you do. Well sad to say that this post:
Deletehttps://tomstephenson.blogspot.com/2021/01/all-i-know-is-my-life-is-blessed.html
is all about Gina. It is very sad.
Darling Tom,
DeleteYes, of course we remember. How could we possibly forget such a memorable event, meeting such a charming pair and a memento of hundreds of 'H' inscribed china!!In fact, it was on our minds to post about it as we brought just one piece, a monogrammed coffee can and saucer, to Budapest.
But, how very sad this is about Gina. As you write, most touchingly, this is a stark reminder of the many blessings so many of us have when compared with the lives of others. We have long thought that one can never tell or know the tragedies that people live with and it is so often those who keep on keeping on that bear the most difficult of situations.
We shall hope and pray that Gina recovers.
It is also another reminder that the front line in this crisis is fragile and is often at breaking point with the most awful of choices having to be made. In all our corners of the world we must do what we can.
Where you live is interesting. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnd where you live looks interesting too.
DeleteI wish I could remember the novel with the dwelling on a bridge over the river. The slops were easily disposed of. Dickens? That will bother me for some time. At lease half an hour.
ReplyDeleteLondon Bridge used to have a small village living on it, with two or three story houses. That burned down in the 1666 Fire of London.
DeleteIt does look a little like Florence in the winter.
ReplyDeleteYes, looking down on the river.
DeleteI love the old bridge and river flowing gently beneath. The bridge structure is a tribute to the test of time. Listed and protected for future generations to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI has a few cracks...
DeleteLovely to see the Hattatts return
ReplyDeleteThat is so kind xx
DeleteI have never been to Bath, not that I remember anyway. All the pictures and videos you have posted make it look such a lovely place that I am adding it to my long list of places to visit when we get our lives back.
ReplyDeleteGood idea. There are many places I have not been to which I intend to visit.
DeleteWe've got piles of the white stuff here, too. The deepest yet this year, I reckon. I was just saying here that it's a good job I'm working from home as I would have missed quite a few days in the last month otherwise!
ReplyDeleteI cannot work from home which is a good thing really. It gets me out of the house.
Delete