White Nancy
Added 2024-06-05 14:00:07 +0000 UTCWhite Nancy in the Peak District
In March, I went to the UK to do a workshop with Wiana and Georgia Brown about creativity in photography.
We arrived a day early, had some time to sightsee, and drove around.
Let’s just say the weather wasn’t behaving exactly, so we restricted shooting to this image.
Take a wild guess:
Did it start to rain (a lot) as soon as we climbed this rather long and steep hill?
Light-wise, it was flat, soft light, more or less straight from above.
And in case you are interested in a history lesson:
White Nancy was built in 1817 by the Gaskell family, who were local landowners. It was constructed to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo, which took place in 1815. The structure was meant to celebrate Napoleon's defeat and the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
The monument is a white, cone-shaped structure resembling a sugar loaf. It is approximately 18 feet high. The unique design makes it easily recognizable and a prominent feature in the landscape.
White Nancy was originally designed as a summer house or a viewing point. It provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Cheshire Plain and the Peak District. The structure and location symbolize peace and victory, offering a place to reflect and appreciate the landscape. All entrances are closed today, though.
The compass around White Nancy enhances its utility as a viewing point, helping visitors identify the directions and significant landmarks visible from the site.
Over the years, White Nancy has become a beloved landmark for locals and visitors. It is often decorated for local events and celebrations, reflecting the community’s connection to the monument.
