Ha-Ha

They say you learn something new every day:

The ha-ha, or sunken wall, dates from the 1770's when the landscape designer, William Eames, designed the park as a setting for the new Heaton Hall.

It was built as a hidden barrier to stop cattle grazing on the formal lawns in front of the house so that when looking from the house, nothing could be seen to interrupt the view.

The ha-ha originated in France in the 17th century and the earliest example is at Levens Hall in Cumbria and dates from 1695.

My extra was taken at the back of Heaton Hall and I love how the light comes through the building to melt the frost.

Quote for today:
When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.
- Chinese proverb