4-September 24 – Snappers visit to Dorchester on Thames

Our group of intrepid photographers gathered at the Bridge End car park in readiness for their amble through this historic village which, for a very short period of time in the 7th Century, was the capital of Mercia.

First port of call was the splendid 12th Century Abbey- known today as St Peter and St Paul, the Parish church for the area. Incredible stained-glass windows and an ornately decorated lead font. This font is only one of 30 remaining lead fonts in Britain. Dating from c.1170-80, and the only remaining fitting from the 12th century monastic church, the high-relief casting shows eleven haloed figures, possibly apostles, seated beneath arcading, all holding a book.

We then moved on and walked past St Birinus Church towards Waterloo to see where the original Roman crossing and later the medieval bridge was constructed over the river Thame. Being local to Thame, it’s a place the group have visited regularly on their photo tours, and as such the knowledge that this place was where the River Thame meets the River Thames was one of the key spots to visit next.

Sadly, before we knew it, our time in Dorchester was running short and it was time to leave. Many of the group said they would return and spend more time in this idyllic village.

The images below were taken on the day from members.