Looking Up

The Caryatids are one Cheltenhams most recognisable features. They run the length of Montpellier, supporting all the buildings. Well its better than boring old columns!

Little Urn

As a contrast (told you I was into contrasts at the moment, shame I wasn't feeling it last Theme Day!) As a contrast to the last few days here is something completely different. Just off of Montpellier is this large-ish house that is all black and white. Either side of the black front door are these urns. To me they are just crying out for some fresh green ferns or bright red geraniums. That would make a nice contrast to all the black and white!

Enjoy your weekend.

Tax Evasion

I'm not suggesting for one moment that this shop is involved in tax evasion but the name suggests otherwise! This book shop in Montpellier specialises in, you've guessed it, cook books! They boost a huge range of new and used books, so if you want to make it they'll have the recipe for it!

_

Big Top

This is the inside of the dome of the Rotunda, that is now home to Lloyds bank. I thought I'd show it in black and white as I think it highlights some of the details and its not far off the real colour, a greenish-grey with a red circle round the highest point.

_

Chemistry

Forget the green cross that indicates a chemist or pharmacy, this is how it was done in the past. This pestle and mortar on Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier Street, show you where to find The Spa Pharmacy. The chemist was established in 1838 so I presume that this must be quite an old symbol. I don't think I've ever seen one like this before, how about you?

_

Cheltenham In Bloom

Being past winners of the national 'In Bloom' competition, Cheltenham has a lot to live up to. In the past the town has won the award for best small town several times and the Council always make an effort with its displays of summer blooms. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago the different areas of town have different colours of flowers. These photos are from the top end, Montpellier, where the colour theme is yellow and orange.

Hope these brighten your day.

_

Someone To Watch Over Me

Here in Montpellier this Penfold post box isn't in danger of being removed, what with the beady eyes of the Caryatids keeping watch. Although they haven't managed to stop the finial on the top going AWOL, but with no arms its difficult to apprehend thieves!

And now I'm leaving post boxes alone as I fear I could become a 'post box nerd'!

_

Chairs And Tables 4

Seating outside the HA! HA! Bar in Montpellier. I like the colour of the wood and the finishing touch of the potted plant. Nice.

_

Primary Colours

Here is the Primary Colours Day Nursery in Montpellier. It is one of the many nursery schools in and around Cheltenham that occupy former residential buildings. This one is a four story dwelling over looking Montpellier Gardens. I really like the coloured (primary coloured) shutters and front door. The shutters are closed as I took this photo on a Saturday, they don't tend to keep the children shut in the dark!
_

Steeple

Not a lot to say today. I can't even remember the name of this church (standards are slipping!), although I do know its in Montpellier Street, opposite the Ladies College. I just like the way it points straight up to that blue sky. If I can think of the name I'll update you all, as a taster its more than likely called St 'somebodys' Church!

UPDATE....

Thanks to Tash at Palos Verdes DP for doing the job for me! She found the name of the Church, its St Andrew's. And the spire was built in 1885. I told you my standards were slipping! Thanks Tash.
_

Blue Door

Actually its more of a blue-ish purple colour but it doesn't show up that well in this photo. The other week I showed you a Green Door that was in quite a different setting to this one. This door is the service entrance at the back of a shop in Montpellier Street. Its not a very remarkable door or, for that matter, a very remarkable photo but the pallet propped against the wall just makes it for me.

I've got a lot on this week, and its not work - its fun! Anyway, I'm scheduling posts and will comment when I can.

_

A Rats Tale

This friendly little chap makes up part of the art work on the outside of The Pied Piper shop in Montpellier. The shop sells collectable teddy bears, dolls, dollhouses and all things soft and cuddly. The full shop front is below.

I decided that I would look into the story of The Pied Piper of Hamelin to accompany today's post and I have to say it is a disturbing tale. I must have read the Ladybird version when I was younger, as the true story is far from a fairy tale. Basically the town of Hamelin was over-run with rats and the townsfolk called upon the Pied Piper, who had suddenly appeared within their community, to rid them of the infestation. The residents agreed to pay the piper if he could do the job. As we all know - the piper piped, the rats followed, he led them to the river and they all drowned. The towns people wouldn't pay the piper so, while they were in church, he piped again and this time the children of Hamelin followed. The Pied Piper led 130 boys and girls to a cave and they were never seen again. The version I know is that two children, one lame and one deaf, remained in the town and told the adults of the other childrens abduction. The parents paid the piper and the children were freed.

In reality the children were never seen again. It is believed that they were either killed in a landslide, that they left on a religious pilgrimage, that they were drowned in the river or worst of all, the mysterious piper killed and dismembered them. The story dates from the 14th Century and over time has changed many times. I guess we'll never really know what happened but it was no fairy tale ending.

If you have some time and want to read a version of the story by Robert Browning, published in 1842, here it is.
_

King Of The Money

This old, slightly cracked, stone lion sits proudly above the entrance to Lloyd's Bank on Montpellier Walk. I'm not sure what his take is on the worldwide credit crunch, but I bet if he were in charge of the purse strings the financial situation would be a roaring success!

Rotunda

This striking dome is the focal point of the Montpellier shopping area. It sits at the top of the parade of shops, bars and cafes and is one of the first things visitors heading into town see.

Originally the building was one of Cheltenhams many Spas. Previously the building was wooden but was replaced in 1817 by a stone built Long Room. In 1825-6 the Rotunda was added by London architect John Papworth. As the spa waters went out of fashion the building was used as a concert and dance venue, the Long Room was used by a bank. Since 1926 Lloyds Bank have owned and used the Long Room, and they bought the Rotunda in 1962 for £14,000. When they took over the Rotunda it was in a very sorry state, a survey showed that the 160 feet diameter, 60 feet high dome had dropped 3 inches and was being held up by seriously rotten beams. In the renovation 2 tons of copper and two of lead were removed, also many tons of ornate plasterwork were taken down. The building now stands proudly, showing what Cheltenham is all about - fine architecture and interesting history.

Courtyard Shopping

Cheltenham is well known for its speciality shops and The Courtyard is brimming with such shops, as well as cafes and restaurants. The sunken piazza is on Montpellier Street and is quite different to the surrounding Regency buildings. It was built in 1985 and the famous architect Sir Hugh Casson was a consultant for the design. The Courtyard suffers from the same problem as the rest of the Montpellier shopping area - it is just outside of the town centre and isn't visited by the number of shoppers it deserves. Its a great place to pick up an unusual gift or stop for a coffee and soak up the cosmopolitan feel at an outdoor table. Next time you're in Cheltenham pay The Courtyard a visit, you'll be pleasantly surprised!

No. I'm not working for Visit Cheltenham. Perhaps I should be!

Supportive Ladies

One of Cheltenhams most famous features are the Caryatids in Montpellier Walk. There are 30 of these armless ladies spaced all the way from the curved entrance to the Walk up to the Rotunda buildings. They are based on the Caryatids that supported the Acropolis in Athens, although Cheltenhams Caryatids were put in place to support the heavily carved cornices above their heads instead of pillars between each shop. The original ladies at the entrance were installed in 1843 and were made of terracotta by London sculptor Rossi. By 1850 the remaining Caryatids were situated along Montpellier Walk and were created by W.G.Brown of Tivolli. Of the first terracotta Caryatids only 3 remain, one of which was removed in 1969 to be used as a model for further concrete replacements and now lives in the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum.