Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern – we have just returned from a brief visit to Ambleside in the Lake District; Thursday was typical weather for the area, heavy downpours interspersed with light showers for most of the day. We are fair weather walkers so we looked for some dry alternatives to slopping around in Cumbrian mud and came across the 17th Century farmhouse at Townend, now in the hands of the National Trust. Owned by the same farming family for 400 years it is a remarkably well preserved example of a rural life which has long since disappeared. The first picture shows the refectory table where the family, staff and farm workers would gather as a group to eat next to a large open fire which was lit throughout the year. The lasting impression is of darkness; the dark heavy oak furniture, the dark stone floors and the blackened fire surround; the straight chimney flues would be no barrier to back drafts on windy days, filling the dark room with gusts of smoke. The view to the outside world is through tightly patterned windows which, on summer days, cast their patterned shadows on the dark floors and furniture:
There is a collection of family photographs, a unique library of books, carved furniture and canopied beds, the canopy serving to protect the occupants from anything that might fall from the rafters – nothing much romantic about four-posters in this context.
(click on images to enlarge)
northumbrian : light 
The Lake District is wonderful, even in the rain. Love that last photo. Very vintage.
Many thanks – not sure it has much to do with the Photo Challenge but what the heck 🙂
I was here a couple of years ago. It is a lovely house too see and very different from the more usual National Trust stately homes. Wonderful shots.
Many thanks – I agree, much more interesting to see how relatively ordinary people lived.
What beautiful atmosphere seeps from your images. Time, history and place woven into light and shadows 🙂
That is very kind – thanks very much and thanks for taking the time to look.
Magnificent captures!
Many thanks and thanks for stopping by.