From Gerald of Hyde Daily Photo comes this bit of history and charm:
"This castellated folly castle overlooking Godley Brook lies in the back garden of Brookbank House. The house was built in 1837 by Joseph Hibbert, the sixth of fourteen children of Randal Hibbert. The Hibbert family of Godley played an important part in the history of Hyde and its neighbourhood, figuring amongst the pioneers of the cotton industry.
"The castle folly was probably built around the mid part of the 19th century. In the mid-1990s there were plans by the then owners to restore the building and open it up to the public.
Thank you, Gerald!
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WELL.
Way past coffee time, sorry about that. Long story.
Drum roll....
And last week's winner is lucky #13, Virginia, with Quinlan Castle in Birmingham, Alabama! Virginia wins a free copy of my new novel, Camelot & Vine, as soon as it's published. Thank you, Virginia, and thank you all, for your wonderful entries!
Here's the poll:
Today is also theme day at City Daily Photo, but I decided to continue the Camelot Where You Are photo contest because it's going so well. If you're planning to enter, now's the time! Send in a photo of the Camelot you find in your life. It can be a toy. It can be a building or an event, a shield, a maiden, a sword...anything! (I found Avalon cream rinse in my shower the other day). Contest details are here.
Each weekly winner receives a free copy of my new novel, Camelot & Vine, which is coming out this month. I think! I hope to have more specific news about that very soon.
18 comments:
Interesting photo, and story as well!
This entry is terrific! It reminds me of the scene in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" where Arthur and his Knights find rude French knights on the battlements of just such a castle. I hope the kids from the nursery are allowed to play in it.
PS. Let's have a bloggers get-together to watch the movie. I have the DVD.
I have been waiting anxiously for another entry from England and here we have a castle 'folly'. Smashing!
A wonderful "real life" Camelot!!! Makes me think of the Mists of Avalon... as in it looks old and in need of renovation now...but when the mists swirl about, Camelot comes to life!!!
I like this one, too. I like them all! This is more Cinderella than Monty Python to me, but I'd still love a movie night.
Godley Brook makes a lovely Lake Avalon.
Ooh I really like this one! Great starter castle.
This is a gorgeous castle! I love the burnt orange on the side and the way it looks moist. There certainly aren't any moist buildings around here these days.
Congrats to Virginia on her win!
If it were mine, I would try try try to find a way to live in it.
The burnt amber bit is because I was almost shooting into the sun and it's moist because we get a lot of rain here. I'd known about this castle for a year or two but didn't really know about the footpath from which it could be seen - the footpath on the other side of the brook from the folly can be muddy or overgrown for much of the year so not somewhere us not so sure-footed folk dare venture. Glad you all like it.
Gerald, it's been a pleasure hosting your photo here today (and we still have a few hours left). Such a lovely folly! I had thought the burnt amber was moss of some sort, to go along with the greenish tint, so pretty on the stone.
Well, I think it is obvious that I am just awful and will never be able to submit anything because I am crazy with teaching. BUT I am going to give your book to all my friends for Christmas. So there.
Beautiful castle (even if it is "folly" :-))
Fascinating history, too.
Margaret, HA! I'm re-reading your book right now (laughing even harder this time) and writing a review for Hometown Pasadena! So there!
Ms. M, I agree, this is a good one.
Plus, Margaret, you helped me edit the book so you get a free copy anyway. Jeez.
Fun contest. Congratulations to Virginia!
I rather like follies like this one. It rather looks like it could do with some TLC but I doubt that it would appear on any list of priorities that the nursery might think of doing.
I'm glad you're enjoying it, Mister Earl. We need more entries for next week so tell your friends.
Paul, I know what you mean about TLC but if they clean it up too much it won't have that "ancient" look to it. I suppose too much mold isn't good for it, though.
Congratulations Virginia!!!
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