Church of St. Mary ruins in Colston Bassett

The Church of St Mary in Colston Bassett, Nottinghamshire, is a rather beautiful old ruin set in the Nottinghamshire countryside. The Grade I listed and scheduled monument dating from 1130, now sits ruined in an isolated hill-top position.

I live about 20 minutes down the road from this monument and to my shame didn’t even know it was there. It was pointed out to me a week or so ago and so, today I thought I’d go and photograph it. Of course it seemed wisest to wait until the wind was blowing a gale and the heavens had opened again, throwing even more rain down on the already sodden countryside.

I guess I was hoping for a dramatic back-lit ruin with heavy brooding skies….. but I just ended up getting wet and muddy. But, like all good landscape shots they need some planning and the first step is to know a great shot is waiting there with just the need for the weather and light to cooperate on the right morning or evening. So, I’ve tucked this little location away for a future visit when the light is right and the heavens are shining favourably.

Here’s the shot I got of the beautiful Mary today: