Sonnett_David's Photobucket media

Hadrian points

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:12:29 MDT

Hadrian points - Tower1.jpg

I have no idea what the Roman General thought was worth drawing our attention to. But the Roman wall he's in front of is one of oldest standing structures in London. There are a number of those revealed around the grounds. This one is across the street. Cool.

David by another cannon

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:12:20 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

David by *another* cannon - Tower10.jpg

I think Sonnett is making some Freudian association here. But, that is one seriously ornate gun behind me. Cool.

Impressive tower

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:12:09 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Impressive tower - Tower11.jpg

My fav pic of the tower. Inside they were currently housing a very impressive display of the hunting and jousting armor & weapons of Henry VIII. It turned out to be totally absorbing and really fascinating stuff.

Raven at the tower

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:11:59 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Raven at the tower - Tower12.jpg

The ravens, of course, are supposed to guard the tower and in turn the whole of Britain. They're crucial symbols and don't they know it. They *rule* that castle! (And they _will_ bite you and get away with it. :)

Raven - ready for his close-up

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:11:48 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Raven - ready for his close-up - Tower13.jpg

I suspect they are vain and like having their photos taken. This one got remarkably close to me. But I was always aware of staying out of beak-range.

Sonnett on the Battlements

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:11:37 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett on the Battlements - Tower14.jpg

David on the Battlements

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:11:26 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

David on the Battlements - Tower15.jpg

By the Crown Jewels

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:26 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

By the Crown Jewels - Tower16.jpg

Someone was nice enough to take this photo. Behind us is the building where they house the crown jewels. Sonnett kept asking "Where's _my_ crown?"

A peck!

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:25 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

A peck! - Tower17.jpg

A little raven-romance down by their cages. :)

Ceiling work

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:24 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Ceiling work - Tower18.jpg

This photo doesn't do justice to all the amazing architectural details. You'll just have to go see for yourself. :)

The Princess by the Throne

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:23 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

The Princess by the Throne - Tower19.jpg

Sonnett is supposed to be related to Eleanor of Aquitaine, who once walked these halls. I think she decided that throne should belong to her. ;D

Approachingthe castle grounds

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:22 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Approachingthe castle grounds - Tower2.jpg

The actual tower is at the center of a very large series of moats, walls, and castle-structures. As with many, the big moat behind her has been half filled in. I still wouldn't want to have to cross it with people shooting at me from those walls.

Archway

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:21 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Archway - Tower20.jpg

We passed through quite a few of these impressive arches going between rooms in the inner curtain of the castle. The descending stairs were usually gated off like this. But one was left open by someone and we accidentally found ourselves descending into rooms that we clearly weren't supposed to be in. Opps! A fun adventure, though.

Throne-room

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:20 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Throne-room - Tower21.jpg

There were many surprisingly large and spacious rooms in the towers and walls. We could only think of all the impressive historical figures that had walked here, and wondered at what conversations had soaked into these walls...

Sonnett by the Thames

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:19 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett by the Thames - Tower22.jpg

Of course, she's a pretty damn-cute view herself. ;D

London Bridge

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:18 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

London Bridge - Tower23.jpg

Sonnett getting a terrific view from the battlements.

Sonnett & David self-pic

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:17 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett & David self-pic - Tower24.jpg

Moody and interesting shot before heading out.

Sonnett on the wall

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:16 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett on the wall - Tower25.jpg

Behind Sonnett is one of several very impressive chapels in the inner wall.

Helmet!

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:15 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Helmet! - Tower26.jpg

They had a display were you could actually try on period style helmets of the kind used in the castle. How do I turn down that? I feel like one of those guards from a Terry Pratchett novel...

The Castle

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:14 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

The Castle - Tower27.jpg

One last impressive look. Note the trebuchet in the foreground, used for weapon's demonstrations on the moat-green.

Sonnett w. London slick

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:13 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett w. London slick - Tower3.jpg

A great shot of the pretty hat Sonnett knit for herself before the trip. Behind her was one of the many slickly dressed young men who populate England's capital. We saw then sprawled indolently in cafes, seeming just like their foppish & attitudinal counterparts from centuries past.

Outer yard

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:12 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Outer yard - Tower4.jpg

Yup! It's a tour-group. Milling about in the space between the inner and outer walls. The beefeater giving the tour was very quick and funny, but also full of fascinating historical tid-bits. Right up our alley.

The Traitor's Gate

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:10 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

The Traitor's Gate - Tower5.jpg

This is the gate that was added so prisoners could be brought in by boat directly from the Thames. I don't think many were happy to arrive...

Main Gate under the Bloody Tower

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:09 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Main Gate under the Bloody Tower - Tower6.jpg

You know the story. Young Princes. York & Lancaster. Did he or didn't he? Still - that's one damn-big portcullis. I can't imagine trying to get in or out once everything was closed.

Tower of London

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:08 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Tower of London - Tower7.jpg

It's quite impressive, and _very_ old. You can practically feel the vibrant lives that have soaked into it's stones.

The high tower

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:07 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

The high tower - Tower8.jpg

All four domes are topped with these decorative images.

Castle Courtyard

Sonnett_David — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:06 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Castle Courtyard - Tower9.jpg

I really had no idea how *big* the tower-castle actually is. This courtyard is not even 1/8th of the inside area around the Tower in the center. It's like it's own little medieval town in the center of London. Just to the left of this pic is the Executioners Block, where so many lost their lives.

Ornate dome

Sonnett_David — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:44:50 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Ornate dome - Train1.jpg

The dome is really pretty, too.

Scary hallway

Sonnett_David — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:44:49 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Scary hallway - Train10.jpg

Inside our hotel room there was this long narrow hallway into the living area. It was dark and creepy and (as you can see) in no way close to level flooring. We called the hotel "The Fun House" and sometimes "The Overlook"...

Crashing at the new digs

Sonnett_David — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:44:47 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Crashing at the new digs - Train11.jpg

Sonnett kacked out after our long day of traveling. But it won't last long, as there were just too many new things to see in London!

Sonnett at Edinburgh station

Sonnett_David — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:44:46 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett at Edinburgh station - Train2.jpg

This is the Waverly Station in the heart of Edinburgh. It's very clean and efficient. Only down-side: you have to pay to use the bathroom. :(

Ornate ceiling

Sonnett_David — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:44:45 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Ornate ceiling - Train3.jpg

Check out the beautiful ornate Victorian skylights in the train station.

Eastern cliffs

Sonnett_David — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:44:44 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Eastern cliffs - Train4.jpg

The trains in the U.K. are really amazing. They're clean, they're quiet, they're comfortable, and they have really big windows. Which is fantastic when the view is this terrific.

On the edge!

Sonnett_David — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:44:43 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

On the edge! - Train6.jpg

Our trip down to London wound along the cliffs down to Newcastle before cutting South. You always hear about how green things are, but the reality it quite startling.

Bridge in Newcastle

Sonnett_David — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:44:42 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Bridge in Newcastle - Train7.jpg

We didn't see any coal, but it's still a lovely old city.

Traveling together

Sonnett_David — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:44:41 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Traveling together - Train8.jpg

One of my favorite photos of the trip. Together on the train, eating bread & cheese we bought up North as we watched the awesome countryside roll by. Best friends, exploring the world.

Sheep!

Sonnett_David — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:44:24 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sheep! - Train9.jpg

Absolutely the thing you expect to see in Scotland, amidst the green fields. Sonnett was very excited. (Sheep=whool=yarn=knitting!)

Sonnett at the gardens

Sonnett_David — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:47:13 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett at the gardens - Wedlegal11.jpg

She loves this place, and used to go here over lunch when she worked downtown.

Butterflies

Sonnett_David — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:47:04 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Butterflies - Wedlegal12.jpg

The garden was amazingly full of butterflies! Like a strange little fairy-escort to the newly-wedded couple.

David at the gardens

Sonnett_David — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:46:55 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

David at the gardens - Wedlegal13.jpg

After the brief ceremony we strolled through Millennium Park. We lingered in the beautiful gardens, which are full of plants native to Illinois.

David at the fountain

Sonnett_David — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:46:35 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

David at the fountain - Wedlegal15.jpg

It was fun to stroll around the city in our finery. We walked around to the park on the South end of the Art Institute and enjoyed the beautiful fountain there. Then we changed back and went for dinner together.

Sonnett at the fountain

Sonnett_David — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:46:15 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett at the fountain - Wedlegal17.jpg

Just another mermaid lounging by the water...

Wife & Husband together

Sonnett_David — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:46:04 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Wife & Husband together - Wedlegal18.jpg

This was a great, romantic and relatively low-stress way to get hitched. Totally recommend it to all. We had so much fun, we've decide to get married a lot. ;D

Sonnett at Cultural Center

Sonnett_David — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:45:09 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett at Cultural Center - Wedlegal4.jpg

Sonnett was clearly happy to have another excuse to wear her awesome dress! She looks wonderful.

Cultural Center Tiffany Dome

Sonnett_David — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:44:51 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Cultural Center Tiffany Dome - Wedlegal6.jpg

Beautiful Chicago architecture. We took the EL down, and changed into our wedding clothes there.

Sonnett ready to go before the Judge

Sonnett_David — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:44:40 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett ready to go before the Judge - Wedlegal7.jpg

All the city workers were really sweet, offered to take photos, etc. We were the first couple of the day, and the Judge was really friendly, too. It was surprising amounts of fun!

Cultural Center where we went before the Judge

Sonnett_David — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:44:30 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Cultural Center where we went before the Judge - Wedlegal8.jpg

They make the room up really pretty - candles, flowers, even a cake. And if you want to carry one of the bouquets before the judge, that's cool, too. (I chose not to. Sonnett neither. ;D)

Cafe Vivo - best tea & scones in the U.K.!

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:51:37 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Cafe Vivo - best tea & scones in the U.K.! - Edinburgh3-23.jpg

No kidding. After hiking 'round the city all morning, they were a revelation. Fresh butter, amazing preserves, tea spot-perfect. The best I've ever had.

Waiting to cross...

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:51:29 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Waiting to cross... - Edinburgh3-24.jpg

As Sonnett waits to cross, wisely not following her fool husband into traffic, she is stalked by a statue of the poet Robert Fergusson. (Outside Canongate Kirk)

Street fountain

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:51:20 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Street fountain - Edinburgh3-22.jpg

Old town is studded with the original little fountains that everone drew water from. I liked their simple style and age.

Cannongate Kirk & Kirkyard

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:51:09 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Cannongate Kirk & Kirkyard - Edinburgh3-25.jpg

Built in 1691 by order of James VII (to replace the Kirk he had other uses for). The beautiful kirkyard is full of famous folks, and is striking because much of is still blackened from the great fire.

Rock House gate

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:50:55 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Rock House gate - Edinburgh3-19.jpg

On our (long) descent, we pass this ornate door to one of the many manor houses around Carlton's base. This one is called "Rock House".

Monument and the city

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:54 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Monument and the city - Edinburgh3-16.jpg

It's beautiful, esp. with the castle in the background.

Impressive Monument

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:53 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Impressive Monument - Edinburgh3-17.jpg

For Dugald Stewart, now more famous for his monument, than for his philosophy. I'm told his work is very original and very influential on people more famous than he. But his monument is seemingly in half the photos you see of the city. With good reason.

Around the walls

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:52 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Around the walls - Edinburgh3-15.jpg

In Edinburgh, even the hills have hills.

Another cannon!

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:51 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Another cannon! - Edinburgh3-14.jpg

Sonnett likes me posed with cannon. Some kind of message?

Clear shot to the city

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:50 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Clear shot to the city - Edinburgh3-10.jpg

Down the West face, toward the city. (Why is the cannon aimed at Sir Walter Scott's monument?)

Obsrvatory House

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:49 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Obsrvatory House - Edinburgh3-12.jpg

It's own little temple to science.

Observatory Gate

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:48 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Observatory Gate - Edinburgh3-13.jpg

You can see the mist on these very impressive walls. Sonnett gives it scale. :)

Observatory Dome

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:46 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Observatory Dome - Edinburgh3-11.jpg

Beautiful Victorian observatory, though I expect they have some of the same light-problems Chicago has. (Maybe not, they are smaller...)

The Bridge

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:45 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

The Bridge - Edinburgh3-18.jpg

Remember that huge bridge we crosed on our first day - you can see how big it is from here!

Hazy Edinburgh

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:44 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Hazy Edinburgh - Edinburgh3-21.jpg

From the North-side railing.

View from Carlton

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:43 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

View from Carlton - Edinburgh3-20.jpg

Looking through the mist toward the Royal Mile.

Together before the temple

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:42 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Together before the temple - Edinburgh3-9.jpg

Full view of the Pathenon

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:41 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Full view of the Pathenon - Edinburgh3-8.jpg

There's a lot of controversy over whether is was always supposed to be an incomplete replica, or if they just ran out of money. Still, it makes an awesome sight, esp. during the annual Beltane Fire Festival - which we attended our first night: http://gallery.beltane.org/gallery/beltane09/

Parthenon Replica (sort of)

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:40 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Parthenon Replica (sort of) - Edinburgh3-7.jpg

The enormous National Monument, originally constructed to honor Scots who died in the Napoleonic Wars.

Reaching the top of Carlton Hill

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:39 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Reaching the top of Carlton Hill - Edinburgh3-6.jpg

And it's worth the climb. You can see Arthur's Seat visible behind her.

Ready to Climb!

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:38 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Ready to Climb! - Edinburgh3-5.jpg

Here's Sonnett, ready to climb it again, on our last full day in Edinburgh. Did I mention that she's a little hung-over? The cider-bottles they serve in pubs there are *huge*!

Steep path uphilll

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:37 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Steep path uphilll - Edinburgh3-4.jpg

This is the path up Carlton Hill. (A small mountain, really.)

Sipping together, as usual.

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:36 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sipping together, as usual. - Edinburgh3-3.jpg

During our week in Edinburgh, we dined at Embo three times. If only they delivered... :)

Inside Enbo

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:35 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Inside Enbo - Edinburgh3-2.jpg

Warm & cozy, and notice the carved-wood table and counters. And the owners were grand. Go there!

Embo - our Favorite

Sonnett_David — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:34 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Embo - our Favorite - Edinburgh3-1.jpg

David outside our favorite eating spot in all Edinburgh. Little cafe with great tea & coffee. Wraps with crayfish in lime & cilantro. Yum...

Sonnett at the Gate!

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:44:08 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett at the Gate! - Greyfriars1.jpg

The perfect gloomy, misty day to walk through the cemetary. (Notice the older markers preserved into the kirkwall behind her.)

Kirkyard green

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:44:04 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Kirkyard green - Greyfriars10.jpg

Mournfully beautiful, the place is like an Edward Gorey dream-come-true. The most Gothic cemetery I've ever seen.

blue eyed skull

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:44:01 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

blue eyed skull - Greyfriars11.jpg

But, also, a little modern commentary...

Impressive crypt

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:58 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Impressive crypt - Greyfriars12.jpg

Impressive crypt, contemplative message.

wall bones

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:54 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

wall bones - Greyfriars13.jpg

Lots of fascinating symbolism, and a large profusion of skeletal images.

Tomb of "Bloody" George MacKenzie

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:51 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Tomb of "Bloody" George MacKenzie - Greyfriars14.jpg

When the Protestant sect The Covenanters signed a pact opposing the King, Charles I sent this judge to root them out. His violence and cruelty are the stuff of legends.

Down to the Mackenzie crypt

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:47 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Down to the Mackenzie crypt - Greyfriars15.jpg

Since 1999, there have been over 400 reported poltergeist attacks, 170 people collapsed, and one dead exorcist. People reported being shoved, punched, scratched, broken fingers, had blackouts, unexplained fires, cold spots, an unusually high number of dead animals found, and two people have even been committed.

Inside the MacKenzie Tomb

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:43 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Inside the MacKenzie Tomb - Greyfriars16.jpg

In Dec of 1998 a homeless man broke into the tomb, and fell into the the tomb below, and fled screaming. This appears to have triggered the beginning of an alleged reign violent paranormal activity.

Impressive architect

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:42 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Impressive architect - Greyfriars17.jpg

And an impressive tomb for him.

Covenenter's Prison yard

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:40 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Covenenter's Prison yard - Greyfriars18.jpg

The location of the Covenanter's prison is now part of the kirkyard. This is where the most violent attacks have taken place. It's now gated off and closed to the public, only special tour groups go in... (I took this through the bars.)

Resting bones

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:36 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Resting bones - Greyfriars19.jpg

Eerily eroded, but still evocative.

Greyfriar's Gate

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:33 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Greyfriar's Gate - Greyfriars2.jpg

Detail of the imposing gate and kirk-building.

Solemn mouner

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:31 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Solemn mouner - Greyfriars20.jpg

From an ornate and beautiful monument.

winged face

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:27 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

winged face - Greyfriars21.jpg

Time flies...

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:24 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Time flies... - Greyfriars22.jpg

A carved reminded to the living.

Flodden Wall

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:21 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Flodden Wall - Greyfriars23.jpg

Fragment of the first wall around the city - built after the disastrous Battle of Flodden, fearing the English would invade. (They never did.)

You been haunted

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:18 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

You been haunted - Greyfriars24.jpg

A helpful message. :)

Flodden Wall (closer)

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:16 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Flodden Wall (closer) - Greyfriars25.jpg

Some of the older markers have be incorporated into the wall to preserve them.

Sonnett by the iron fence

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:12 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Sonnett by the iron fence - Greyfriars26.jpg

Many of the graves are surrounded by stone or iron defenses called Mortsafes. These were built to keep out the "Resurrection Men" - grave robbers who stole bodies to supply the city's famous medical schools with specimen to dissect and study when such things were against the law.

Gothic marker

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:08 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Gothic marker - Greyfriars27.jpg

Most of these speak for themselves.

Gothic marker (detail)

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:04 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Gothic marker (detail) - Greyfriars28.jpg

Creepy tomb!

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:00 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Creepy tomb! - Greyfriars29.jpg

This may be my favorite - a seemingly damn disturbing way to memorialize someone's life.

Impressive tomb

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:42:57 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Impressive tomb - Greyfriars3.jpg

I was esp. struck by the sideways text and different carved 'fonts". As well as the skulls and faces.

Creepy tomb! (detail)

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:42:54 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Creepy tomb! (detail) - Greyfriars30.jpg

The leering face at the top is particularly striking...

Wall of tombs

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:42:51 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Wall of tombs - Greyfriars31.jpg

There is a *lot* of this. Fascinating.

Celtic detail

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:42:48 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Celtic detail - Greyfriars32.jpg

A very ancient style of Celtic imagery.

Would you go in there?

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:42:44 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

Would you go in there? - Greyfriars33.jpg

cross bones

Sonnett_David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:42:41 MDT

Sonnett_David posted a photo

cross bones - Greyfriars34.jpg