Does History Matter ~ is History a Thing of the Past !
Does History Matter or is it a thing of the past (groan - sorry)
A test photograph at home today had me thinking whilst spending most of the afternoon in Bradley Woods
I’ve taken to saying; I know I’m old now because I’m interested in history
Perhaps it’s a subject that is of little interest to younger generations, maybe it’s an old man’s game, I’d like to think not though.
Not because it makes me old but because I’ve experienced the joy, interest and satisfaction there is to be had from all things historic.
I was messing with my camera, trying to make something complicated even more so, when I took a test photo. Stood in my house I zoomed in on an object at the end of the garden, simply to see if my ideas would work with a long telephoto lens in poor light.
The Stone that Started it All
It looks like I cracked the settings, great detail at a good distance and in poor light. But it’s the subject matter that had me thinking.
See the two carved pieces of stone (backdrop is kale in the kitchen garden) they started all this history stuff.
Since then I’ve learnt an awful lot, in fact I’ve learnt so much that I realise I still know next to nothing, had some great times, read some fantastic books and been to some great places.
Sharing the journey with all those who sympathetically suffer me by tuning in to the site has been part and parcel of the whole thing.
In fact it’s because of this site I’m on the path I am. My interest has been initially stoked well and truly by regular contributors such as The Dinosaur, Chris and Neville and the amount of information that’s been collated and in some cases discovered is a source of great pride to me.
Of course it’s not just me but those who contribute with comments as well - it’s a truly enjoyable interest and one I don’t see declining.
I’m convinced all it needs to develop an interest in history is a little encouragement and guidance - age doesn’t matter
Whilst immersed in a world of my own in Bradley Woods, blending into the scenery resplendent in new green trousers and green coat, I had half a mind on birds and camera settings and the other on the pleasure these historical escapades have given me.
I did more thinking than picture taking but did some good test work and I’ve put a couple of shots in a new gallery
British Woodland Birds
Click on the pictures to enlarge - and check if they extend to another page
It will open in a new window or tab ~ simply close it down to return to this site
See the Gallery
My thanks to everybody everywhere who has encouraged and helped me with this interest - they’re spread far and wide - some known to you all via their comments some who’ve never commented - I thank you all !
Do you need to be older to have an interest in history ?
Is history now boring and irrelevant ?
Gratefully Yours
Rod
Annie Flinn said,
February 26, 2010 @ 7:42 pm
Rod,
I must tell you that, while I have always had an interest in history, your posts and pictures have spurred my fascination with the events and places from the past that have had an influence on the present. More than once, your posts have sent me scurrying into research, and an exploration into history. As an example, the other day, after reading one of your posts, I started delving into websites dedicated to shipwreck archaeology. While not directly related to anything you had posted, your content spurred me into a new historical (new historical?) exploration of my own. On another day, I was reminded that you are a Sherlockian, and that prompted me to subscribe to the journal of the Baker Street Irregulars.
I’m old, maybe an historic relic, who has been inspired by a younger, more lively person. Keep on, keeping on!!!
Annie
The Dinosaur said,
February 26, 2010 @ 10:48 pm
Rod, never has history been more important, the world is becoming so obsessed with trivia, its a good time to make people aware of who they are, where they’re from, what their ancestors believed in and what was important to them: it puts modern day life in perspective. I say keep up the good work.
Rod said,
February 27, 2010 @ 8:37 am
Annie,
a lovely comment - many thanks indeed - it’s things like that which reallly make everything worthwhile.
I must send I end up going down all sorts of alleys once I start researching something as well.
All sorts of great interest turns up along the way.
There’s plenty more to come
All the best
Rod
Rod said,
February 27, 2010 @ 8:39 am
Dino,
I think that’s a good point - something solid in a world of mush !
It may also be the case that a bit more knowledge of history could make some people realise just how lucky they are today !
Thanks for all the help and support Dino - it’s made a massive difference
All the best
Rod
Amiguru said,
April 13, 2010 @ 12:19 pm
Rod,
I have something to say but it has been a bit of a dilemma deciding where to say it. While realising that you like everything to be categorised, what does one do if the subject about which one wishes to remark does not, yet, fit anywhere? Perhaps there is a case for a ‘Miscellaneous Posts’ option from where you could move it to a more appropriate category or, indeed, create a new one for it if you deemed that it warranted it. ?
?
Anyone who knows Immingham knows ‘The Bluey’, alias of the Bluestone Inn, (named after the glacial erratic found in Bluestone Lane and now adorning the front boundary wall of the pub carpark), but I wonder what caused the obsession with the term ‘blue’ in Grantham. Sat in my conservatory enjoying coffee and toast I was browsing my Lincolnshire Kelly’s Directory for 1885, as light relief from maps, and came across something that I didn’t know about Grantham as I’ve only passed through it a couple of times in the past.
Here is a list of some of the public houses in the town:
Blue Bell - Blue Boat - Blue Bull - Blue Cow - Blue Dog - Blue Fox - Blue Greyhound - Blue Harbour - Blue Horse - Blue Lion - Blue Man - Blue Posts - Blue Ram. Significantly, it doesn’t have a Bluestone! Now, admittedly some of these were in surrounding villages close by but are all listed under Grantham. For the record there are only 15 other ‘Blue’ pubs listed for the rest of Lincolnshire. Does anyone know why there should be so many ‘under-the-weather’ pubs in the town? Secondly, how many of these are extant?
Regards,
Neville
Rod said,
April 13, 2010 @ 6:42 pm
Neville,
thanks as always for thinking about the importance of where things go, as you already know it’s not that I’m pedantic I just don’t want valuable comments and information potentially ‘lost’ tio those who come later to the articles.
I could do something as you suggest, quite easily in fact, it’s probably a good idea, I’ve thought about ‘report a thought’ posts before.
I’m quite happy to write a post in most cases in order for things to go on if people wanted to email me.
The problem is once the info is posted live on the site then putting it elsewhere can cause a duplicate content problem in search engines.
I know nothing of the Grantham issue but would be fascinated to learn more - if anybody knows naything or fancies and eucated guess then please do leave a comment
All the best
Rod