Donnington Castle.
Just outside Newbury, the castle ruin at Donnington lit by sun, with rain clouds in the background.
For today’s photograph, I have travelled just a short distance north of Newbury to the ruins of Donnington Castle. This is a lovely spot, with commanding views of the Berkshire countryside and Newbury.
Built in the late 1300s for Sir Richard Abberbury, the castle was quite a substantial building. In the early 15th century, it was owned by the brother of poet Geoffrey Chaucer, later passing to the Crown. However, by 1646, the English Civil War had resulted in the destruction of all but the tower.
For further reading, see: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/donnington-castle/history/
The combination of the sunlight from the south, and the dark clouds overhead has created a dramatic setting. Just after I arrived, it started to rain. I have got several other good shots of the castle from this session – unfortunately, most of them marred by rain spots on the lens which had gone unnoticed! Lesson learnt – when taking photographs in the rain, check the lens.
This was, in fact, the last shot I took. Walking back down the hill, I looked back and realised that, with the sun behind me, this was the best view of the day. I will return on a sunnier and clearer day, as these ruins are very photogenic.
Photograph Details
- Taken: 5 Mar 2017
- Camera: Canon 5D MkIII
- Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm 1:2.8 L II USM
- Focal Length 24mm
- F/11
- 1/200 Sec
- ISO 100