Gate to Wareham Priory

This building is on the site of a succession of monasteries, going back perhaps to the seventh century. During the period preceding the dissolution of the monasteries it belonged to the Carthusian order.

The oldest remaining parts of the building are early sixteenth century, since when there have been substantial alterations and additions. Today the building serves as an hotel and restaurant. The southern boundary of its delightful garden is demarcated by the Frome River.

It is many years since I last went through this gate, one day next week my blipfoto may be taken on its other side.

The bedraggled Union Flag (commonly misnamed Union Jack - what will happen to it if Scotland secedes from the union?) brings a touch of colour to the photo. It is probably there for the benefit of those foreign guests who have forgotten what country they are staying in; the Queen is not in residence there. Such idle ruminations notwithstanding, the hotel has an excellent reputation.


The blurriness visible in part of the image is attributable to the raindrops falling onto my camera's UV filter.