Gently down the stream

By Miranda1008

Unacceptably wonky

I should really have put a question mark after the title - it's for you to decide.  Not having the kind of camera to take architectural shots really well, or the software to straighten the effects of using wide angle, this is not an entirely accurate representation of the south aisle of Winchester Cathedral.  Though it does tell a kind of truth, which is why I chose it.

 I can only say, not all the wonkiness is down to my camera.  This is a medieval building and I suspect there isn't a right angle in the place.  For example, if you think the floor humps up slightly then looks like it's running downhill a tad towards the window at the east end of the church you'd be absolutely right.  The whole building was constructed over a network of waterways and floated on logs.  By the beginning of the 20th century there were cracks in the walls big enough for a child to climb through (brave child!) and the east end was sinking so much it's a surprise the back of the building didn't break entirely. 

However, a heroic diver in a brass helmet (William Walker) spent several years single-handedly diving down under it and propping the foundations on bags of concrete.  He did a magnificent job then died in the post WW1 flu epidemic.  To this day you can stand on the south side of the building in Dean Garnier's garden and marvel at how the east end takes a nose dive into the ground.  It is stabilised, but straight it ain't!

Anyway, no apologies for blipping in the cathedral again, I've just renewed my annual pass so might as well get my money's worth!

Wishing you all a happy end to this now rather grey Saturday - at least in the UK.  And it started so well..  xx

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