Rocks of Ages

This week, Donna’s Lens Artist Challenge invites us to celebrate rocks, their geology, and what they have meant to humankind. Bloggers have responded with hosts of natural wonders: extravagant, bizarre, subtly beautiful and all extraordinary. I had planned to respond in kind, by showcasing – as I have in my feature photo – our nearby geological extravaganza which is Brimham Rocks. But I already have several times – here – here and here – to name but a few.

Instead, I’ve chosen to show rocks in the service of mankind. Brimham Rocks even fit in here. These days they’re our very best local playground.

The grandchildren are king and queen of the castle.

But rocks have been pressed into service since prehistoric times. Here is Cairn Holy in Dumfries and Galloway. It’s a Neolithic burial site – perhaps that of Galdus, a Scottish king. But perhaps not: he’s thought to be mythical.

Farmers have divided their land up into fields for almost as long. Drystone walls march across the rural landscape here, particularly in the north of England.

And where would our churches, our cathedrals be without a ready supply of local rock and stone?

Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire, in ruins since Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536
Rievaulx’s walls continue to provide shelter and nourishment for local flora.

Scuplture too. I’ve chosen a few pieces that have weathered over the centuries, to reveal the underlying rock that the original sculptor had chiselled to the form that he, not nature had decided on.

Nature too can be a sculptor. This rock, hauled from the sea on the Spanish coast, has been transformed by – what? Underwater snail trails?

At the port, Arenys de Mar

Nature doesn’t need any help from man when it comes to artistic expression. I’ll conclude with an image of rock at its most painterly, in the Gorges du Tarn in France.

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and live in North Yorkshire, where I walk , write, volunteer and travel as often as I can.

48 thoughts on “Rocks of Ages”

  5. Wonderful post! Glad you used it – great title.
    Topnotch photos, from the rock formations to the underwater rock. Drystone walls are iconic of the UK countryside – perfect theme to highlight them.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Fabulous, Margaret! And I so liked that you showed rocks and flowers together – they really enhance each other. I also know about children climbing rocks…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. You took our thoughts on the most wonderful trip, Margaret. I think you might have been the only one to include children using them as a play space. Great idea! I have what is known to our grands as “the rock park” for obvious reasons. It is there favorite place to play and climb. History, nature, productive land, mystery, and ocean treasures. Fantastic images showcased impeccably. And you always bring us some tidbits to learn from which I love. Thank you, never too late. Have a great weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. Margaret, what fascinating and beautiful photos. Brimham Rocks are beautiful, and I can see why you have featured them before. I liked all your photos, but I was particularly drawn to that Neolithic burial site. I’m always fascinated by things we cannot quite explain. Also, the Spanish rock is amazing, as is the gorge in France. All are beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. I love your selections of rocks, Margaret! Thank you for taking us there. Brimham Rocks, wow… The Nature sculpture is really special, so are the rest.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.