Wednesday 20 May 2009

Castle College

Not really a college but a University Of Gloucestershire campus - Francis Close Hall. The site used to be St Pauls College for Teacher Training but was renamed in 1979 after the Rev. Francis Close, who was known in the town for his involvement in education. The buildings then became Cheltenham College Of Higher Education, before the college gained university status a few years ago. The old part of the campus, shown here, dates back to 1849. Recently new buildings and student halls of residence have been constructed, adding a nice contrast to these Tudor Gothic ones. The photo below shows the depth of the complex and amongst these turrets and sturdy stone walls is a large courtyard garden.

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12 comments:

Lowell said...

Appears to be a sturdy building like a university building should be...love the door and the ivy or whatever the green stuff is!

Virginia said...

Both views are lovely. I like that nice shadow on the double doors, though. Just beautiful with the ivy.
V

Hilda said...

Amazing. If you didn't say so, I would never have thought this was part of a university!

I really like that door!

Janet said...

What a charming building! I love that turret.

Kate said...

Using the door in the top photo as the focal point works very well! I was interested in the shadow of the lamp on the door, too. The stonework is really quite remarkable.

My camera is still in the repair shop, but I'm using my son's point-and-shoot Canon. I am also using patience!!

Rob said...

An appealing school. The door is exceptional with the iron work and shadow outlined by the ivy.

Anonymous said...

1849?! WoW! Gorgeous structures - I can appreciate the history here!

Prayers are needed, swing by my page for details, please!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous architecture! The vine is just the cherry on top of the cake! :-)

Jackie said...

It looks like a great place to study - though knowing me I'd spend all my time gazing out of the window at the grounds and turrets and whathaveyou and not actually get any work done!

Thanks for the postcard which arrived today :)

Mo said...

Going to be around this area on Bank holiday weekend. What shoudl I make a special trip to?

brian stout said...

i would love to have ivy growing on my house like this! but mine is wood, and the vine would probably take right over!

Jane Hards Photography said...

It is a beauty of a place.

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