Geology, Landscape and the Picturesque in the Marches

 Thursday 12^th - Sunday 15^th July 2007

 Lucton School (near Leominster)

 In association with the Shropshire Geological Society

 Registration 199 pounds (day attendance rate on request)

Click here for Registration Form

Purpose

A field based course in South Shropshire, North Herefordshire and East Radnorshire, looking at sites made famous by the geological pioneers; the effects of geology on landscape and the way this was presented by early exponents of the Picturesque movement.

The plan was to visit Caer Caradoc, Comley and the Long Mynd around Church Stretton - Little Switzerland of 19^th century tourists; Downton Gorge, a glacial overflow channel of the River Teme through Aymestry Limestone cliffs, home of Richard Payne Knight, author of "The Picturesque" and subject of paintings by Thomas Hearne; and Bradnor Hill and Hergest Croft where the Banks' archive includes specimens collected by the early geological pioneers and the material relating to the Radnorshire gentry who helped Murchison in his travels.

Responsibilities and organisation

The course was administered by Lucton School and arranged in association with Shropshire Geological Society. Tutors were Andrew Jenkinson and Robert Williams.

Accommodation was at Lucton School, west of Leominster in North Herefordshire. The cost, inclusive of bed, breakfast, lunch and two dinners, transport and tuition fees was 199 GBP (day attendance rate on request).

Details of future similar courses may be obtained from Andrew Jenkinson on 01547 530 660, e-mail scenesetters @ btinternet.com.