Fascinating to see this ancient example of "visible" philanthropy.

Ellie: The whole place is comfortable, well, I think so. There's a good feel to the place, maybe because it's always been somewhere that offers only good things.

I especially like how the lanterns appear to direct us into the inner sanctum, Ellie. It sounds like a very fine work.

Ellie: With the top of the top step at eye level from the ground it was an 'interesting' exercise in photography. I'm glad it worked, even though the s-symmetry throws the lines just a bit.
Good to see you back Ginnie.

I really like the row of lanterns, and your choice to have them off-center.

Ellie: Thanks, looking at them makes me realise they aren't quite in a straight line, although it looked as if they were when we were there.

Love how the arches go on and on forever seemingly.

Ellie: They do actually go quite a way back, the building is quite deep

This is wonderful stuff Ellie: I shall have to go back to Winchester soon...

Ellie: Let me know when you do, I'd be pleased to join you there

The part about Noble Poverty strikes me again. I believe you have blogged some other pictures of such a place before which involved noble poverty as well

Great picture.

Ellie: Yes, it's the same place Louis. I lost the previous pictures I took along with the hard drive, these most recent ones are much safer. I've put them all together in my archive and will add more as I upload them.
http://ellie.shutterchance.com/photoblog/St_Cross,_Winchester_/

The "Noble Poverty" is quite a striking idea really, especially today when we assume everybody's got some sort of financial back-up. At the time that part of the charity was created many of the nobility were kicked out of their homes with absolutely nothing, their homes were given to a royal favourite, and they had nowhere to go. That sort of thing doesn't happen now of course, so I think the idea is a bit alien to us.

This would make a suitable addition to wanderingalan's series of doorways, Ellie.

Ellie: I've now looked at his site, thanks for the pointer. You're right, it would slot in nicely

Arch within an arch. Beautiful perspective with this lanterns line-up. I like thetones!

Ellie: Thanks Richard, it's a well-cropped picture because it was a bright sunny day - the flash lower right was sunshine.

Great capture of such wonderful stone work

Ellie: Thank you

Love your point of view, and those lights in 'one row' this is a very well taken picture, love the tones in it.

Ellie: I imagine there must 'always' have been lights there, much less bright with candles in them though

I really like your perspective here. I enjoy looking at the detail of the doors and the lights hanging in the entry. Nicely done!

Ellie: Thanks, looking from inside out give a completely different feel - I'll have to try to upload one of those before too long

The lights really guide you into the hall. Love the stone work too

Ellie: It goes back quite a long way, with stairs at the far end down to a cellar. The stone is "rubble" apparently, it's flint infill.

The feeling of warmth and charity is well captured in your photo.

Beautiful. Color, texture, and the fact that this is a door shot makes really enjoy this.

Looks a facinating place Ellie

Don't get to Winchester these days, but if I do go again I will certainly have a look here

I love the way you have the line of lights. The whole picture seems soft and welcoming.

Doors within doors it seems Ellie ...lovely. richard

Lovely recession of the lamps and doors going into the building Ellie, and I love the interesting narrative you are adding as well.

I see they have switched to energy saving bulbs ;o) Nice view thro' the arches.

Nice line of lights, it gives a great depth !