Inspiration, a photo from Lancashire, England

Photographer's Note

Wycoller, a hamlet, 4 miles east of Colne in Lancashire,

Beverley, Royaldevon, has shared pictures from this location in the past.

"The village now forms part of a country park.
It is probably most famous for its Bronte connection.
Today Wycoller Hall stands in ruins, but the 16th century hall is believed to have been the inspiration for Ferndean Manor in Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre.

The Brontes lived at Haworth, not far from Wycoller, and Charlotte would have passed through here.
Her description of Ferndean Manor when approached from the old coach road fits Wycoller Hall perfectly.

Originally owned by the Hartley family, the hall was extended in the late 18th century by its last owner, Squire Cunliffe.
A keen gambler, Cunliffe also borrowed money against Wycoller Hall to fund the building work.
He died heavily in debt in 1818.
After his death, stones from the hall were plundered to build new houses and other structures.

The hall subsequently fell into ruin."
(www.historic-uk.com)

Here you see a rather beautiful yet plain fireplace, the skilled work of the masons and builders. Note some of the other features too.

Two more variations of the theme in the w/s.

Thanks for looking.

holmertz, Fis2, ikeharel, pajaran, jemaflor, papagolf21, alvaraalto, Royaldevon, clic, jhm, macjake ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

Tue (92548) 2020-11-05 12:19

Hello Jean,
A great view of this historical area for English literature. The ruins of the hall look very nice, especially in front of the autumn colours in the trees.
Lars

holmertz (102846) 2020-11-05 12:36

Hello Jean,
I would not have identified this as a fireplace, but reading the note it makes sense. I can't quite estimate the size but it looks huge. People with ambitions and (borrowed) money certainly planned their homes on a grand scale a few hundred years ago. These are interesting photos for showing British ruins of a slightly later date than what we usually see.
Best regards,
Gert

Fis2 (170945) 2020-11-05 12:53

Witaj Jean!
A very interesting place.
This building makes impression, I like it.
Good POV, colors and sharpness.
Well done.
Good evening.
Krzysztof

lousat (139362) 2020-11-05 15:45

Hi Jean,i never heard this novel but the pics and the place are interesting,it's always nice to read and watch something new. 3 excellent pics showing this big fireplace and the ruins on the left in a very good way! Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

ifege (48253) 2020-11-05 22:15

Hi Jean
Old fire place but it looks like it is a sitting area now. A good photo of these remains.
cheers
Ian

Silvio1953 (221781) 2020-11-05 22:23

Ciao Jean, great view of fascinating historical village, fine details, splendid light, excellent clarity and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

jemaflor (147300) 2020-11-05 23:15

Hi Jean,
interesting view and Ws too about this location, good note also. Well framed from a photogenic angle, nice tones, tfs.

papagolf21 (152607) 2020-11-05 23:34

Bonjour, cher Jean,
Un grand merci pour ces images qui sont un régal architectural et historique.
J'aime à détailler les subtilités de l'édifice.
Un régal !
Amitiés.
Philippe

alvaraalto (42804) 2020-11-06 1:46

Hello Jean,
Three interesting photos of this inspiration for literature as you show in the quote in your info.
Honestly, I don't think I'd find inspiration here. I think it's a rather gloomy place, but excellent photographed.
Excellent presentation
Have a nice day, groet Rob

Royaldevon (85932) 2020-11-06 6:45

Hello Jean,

I recognised this immediately, having seen it and photographed it many times, from different angles and in different light!
It's hard to believe that there are photographs, taken early in the last century, when the house showed details up to the first floor! Probably the stones were used to build walls and effect repairs.

This is a fine view of the old stone fireplace under an autumn light. We can see the autumn leaves through the narrow, mullioned windows, which add just a spot of lively colour.
I like your w/s of the mullioned windows, too. In fact, I just marginally prefer that photograph.

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

clic (76) 2020-11-06 7:21

Hello Jean
Could the Hartley family had exaggerated feelings of grandeur for such a huge fireplace that gives an idea of the Manor size!
Nevertheless your picture bears evidence of historic architectural details very pleasing to look at!
Thanks for the rigorous verticals on either side of frame.
Cheers

jhm (211736) 2020-11-06 10:00

Hello Jean,

We get a very well view of this courtyard with arch and stone seats
A pity bad maintain the floor and white stone.
Lovely colours, nice sharp and clear too.
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

emka (158204) 2020-11-06 12:42

Hello Very interesting note about the connections with the Bronte family. This fireplace is quite huge but the halls with the stone walls were to heat. How much wood would they need for it! This opening on the right side is indeed quite strange, looks like a keyhole. Nice autumn tree. I checked on the map and it is very close to Bev place, seems a not a far walk. How interesting.
Best regards MAlgo

jmdias (115342) 2020-11-15 8:23

jean

a curious corner, looks now a shell for those who want to escape from rain or from a hot sun. in some aspects we can identify the base of a giant fireplace. curious place in ruins. nice photo and note.

take care

jorge

macjake (98486) 2020-11-16 3:46

Hi Jean
wow...is that REALLY a fireplace??? it is MASSIVE. you'd think the fire in there would be too large and out of control. I'd love to see this building in its prime, so really see how it all looked. I like the plaque just left to the fireplace, like a family coat-of-arms or something. interesting indeed.
cheers
Craig