THE ROYAL AND HOME COUNTIES PHOTO TOUR
England is a country full of history and amazingly beautiful ancient buildings that date back centuries, from grand castles to chocolate box thatched cottages. Place names with royal patronage in the United Kingdom includes both those with status by express wish of a specific monarch or have been granted a royal title.
Windsor Castle is situated in the beautiful English town of Windsor and has been the family home to British Kings and Queens for almost a thousand years. It is the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world begun by William the Conqueror in 1070. The Round Tower flies the standard flag when Her Magesty The Queen is in residence.
William was the king who realised the strategic importance of Windsor Castles location being near the River Thames and a surrounding forest for hunting. Edward III was the only sovereign to be born at Windsor Castle and when he became king he decided to enlarge the royal living apartments. During his reign he was responsible for making Windsor Castle the centre for the oldest order of chivalry and founded the Order of Knights of the Garter in St George’s Chapel within the Castle Precincts in 1348, this elapsed during the 18th-century but was revived in 1948 by King George VI providing pomp and circumstance ever since.
Although today the castle defences are still mainly those built by Henry I, Henry II had early stone buildings constructed including the Round Tower. Over time as the monarch changed, each made their personal changes to the castle, but none as impressive as the castles eye-catching skyline that was improved by George IV.
Windsor Castle was the principal home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It was here that Prince Albert died and was buried. In 1861 Victoria retreated after her husband’s death and earned the affectionate title of “The Widow of Windsor”, only returning to Buckingham Palace occassionally for demands of state. In 1866, during her time as Queen, the vast Grand Staircase to the State Apartments was created by Anthony Salvin displaying the finest collection of arms and armour in the world dating back to the 15th-century.
In the 20th-century, King Edward VIII abdicated, renouncing the throne to his younger brother George VI, because the British public deemed the affair between Edward and Mrs. Simpson unacceptable. He left England as the Duke of Windsor later marrying Wallace Simpson in France.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (Queen Mother) did not use Windsor much except for the war years, preferring their original Windsor home, the comfort and intimacy setting of the Royal Lodge.
Windsor Castle had little alteration since the 19th-century until 1992. This is when, during the continuity of restoration work, fire ravaged the State Apartments damaging over 100 rooms and taking 250 fire fighters over 15 hours to bring the fire under control. This resulted in the loss of priceless works of art.
Presently, Windsor Castle serves as a weekend retreat for Queen Elizabeth II and her family as well as a fully working castle to receive and entertain members of foreign Royalty and other Heads of State.
At every turn there are amazing examples of ancient and modern architecture with grand monuments. The photo opportunities are endless but the hassle is taken out of finding the best locations at the best times of the day with the guidance of professional photographer David Still.
Explore the quaintness of the English countryside and their villages with cute thatched cottages through to the traditional red letter box on the corner of a village lane. Explore the beautiful surroundings near the royal town of Windsor with Windsor Castle being the most popular. Explore Roman ruins in an unexpected location. We will pass by the prestigous University of Royal Holloway where numerous tv series and movies have been filmed. It has even been rumoured to play a part in a selection of scenes in the Harry Potter films as Hogwarts.
Your tutor David Still will provide you with expert guidance on all aspects of photography, including exposure and artistic composition. This is an opportunity to increase your photographic abilities by asking the professional everything you need to know while actively participating.
We will start our Royal And Home Counties photo tour meeting at Harrow On The Hill tube station – Metropolitan Line (Purple). From here we will spend the next 5 hours being privately escorted to quaint English villages and capturing iconic vistas off the tourist trail.
We will pass by the prestigous University of Royal Holloway where numerous tv series and movies have been filmed like Harry Potter. In an unexpected location we will have the opportunity to capture Roman ruins before arriving in the beautiful village of Windsor. Walking along the cobble stone walkways we will make our way to Windsor Castle at the top of the hill. The grand castle with guards at the entrance, surrounding monuments and historic buildings, provide us with numerous photographic opportunities.
Travelling to villages along the River Thames within the Royal And Home Counties provide us with ancient bridges, flint stone work cathedrals, cute thatched cottages through to the traditional English red letter box on the corner of a quiet village lane.
Being driven into the English countryside capturing traditional English vistas and truely Royal locations, is a very relaxing way to experience a photo tour.
This Royal And Home Counties photo tour is suitable for all abilities.
“TOUR-IN-TANDEM”
Depending on numbers partners and family are welcome to come and enjoy the sights and atmosphere of London.
Experience nature at its best. Never miss a shot again.
Learn Photography in a Great Location … Be Tutored … Have Fun !
For more information about these London Photo Tours choose from the following.
- WESTMINSTER PHOTO TOUR
- SOUTHBANK PHOTO TOUR
- THE ROYAL AND HOME COUNTIES PHOTO TOUR
- GALLERY
- PRICE/DATES/BOOK
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
CLIENTS ON LOCATION
IMAGES TAKEN BY CLIENTS
FREE DOWNLOADS
E: stillsphototours@gmail.com
M: (+44) 07974 175 338
