Hi all! Back after my horrible exams! (But I'm now finished at Uni... Yay!)
Anyway had to pop to the bank in town yesterday, thought I'd take a few photos to contribute to this thread... So, here's parts of Guildford Town Center (I didn't have much time). Guildford is in South East England and as we're really close to the Top Gear studio, has been mentioned on Top Gear...
This shot is of the main clock in the town - this is perhaps the most recognized landmark to show Guildford so I thought a photo would be appropriate. This is on the high street - one of the main streets with all the shops in town. The street itself is cobbled, and many of the buildings on this road are very old. The clock itself was built in 1683 I believe.
While I was in town, there was a film crew filming an advert (just opposite the clock). That Volvo is a part of the advert, and it looked like it had something to do with teenagers in hoodies (something that's really hit the news lately).
Guildford has it's own castle. Or rather, castle ruins... I've not yet had the chance to go inside and wander around, but will do soon. It may not be the prettiest on the outside, but it has some really nice gardens.
This castle was once one of the most luxurious royal residences in England. It is believed to have been founded by William the Conquerer in 1066 with Henry III subsequently lavishing vast amounts of money on buildings and decorations in the 12th century. The King often stayed at Guildford during Christmas. After Henry's death in 1272 the palace buildings were used less freqently and eventually allowed to fall into decay.
As I said, the gardens are really nice. Here's one view (not the best, but the best one that came out thanks to the iffy sunlight). Unfortunately none of the flowers have grown yet but last year when there were flowers everywhere this was quite an amazing castle grounds...
Guildford is adjacent to the Downs, a large group of wooded areas (hills) where there are plenty of trails. People go walking there, I go trail biking... You can see a small part of the downs in this photo I believe.
One of the houses in the photo (actually it's part of that block but perhaps 3rd house away, I can't remember) is where Lewis Carroll used to live (author of 'Alice in Wonderland') and where he died in 1898.
Oh well, that's where I currently live and have lived for the past 4 years. Plus 7 years when I was a kid. But, now uni is finished probably leaving here and moving somewhere else - depends on where I get a job.
Anyways... enjoy!
-Max
(All photos taken with an Olympus mju410)