Richard Wright's Images

Wills, tobacco, Enamel sign, tobacco advertising, railway advertising, Bluebell Railway, Sussex

Not a reference to a prince of the realm but an early example of trackside advertising for Wills tobacco.

Sussex, Alfriston, village, South Downs, chalk downland

The village church of St Andrew, Alfriston peeps above the trees. In the background is the start of Windover Hill, further north on whose slopes is the Long Man of Wilmington

Sussex, Alciston, Berwick, Alfriston, Bostal Hill, Hangliding, South Downs, Weald

A cloud of hangliders hovers over Bostal Hill near Alciston in Sussex on a perfect early summer day.

Sussex, Alciston, Berwick, Alfriston, Bostal Hill, Hangliding, South Downs, Weald

A column of hangliders hovers over Bostal Hill near Alciston in Sussex on a perfect early summer day.

Sussex, Alciston, Berwick, Alfriston, Bostal Hill, Hangliding, South Downs, Weald

A cloud of hangliders hovers over Bostal Hill near Alciston in Sussex on a perfect early summer day.

South Downs, sheep farming, lambs, Alfriston, Berwick, Bostal Hill

Early summer and late lambs on Bostal Hill, part of the Sounth Downs near Alfriston in Sussex

Sussex, Downs, chalk-land, Friesian cows, Bos primigenius taurus, Alfriston, Windover Hill

Deep in the South Downs, from the rise between Alfriston and Bostal Hill. Above the convesing Fresisans is the start of Windover Hill on which, further north, is the famous Long Man of Wilmington.

Sussex, Downs, chalk-land, Friesian cows, Bos primigenius taurus, Alfriston, Windover Hill

Deep in the South Downs, from the rise between Alfriston and Bostal Hill. Above the convesing Fresisans is the start of Windover Hill on which, further north, is the famous Long Man of Wilmington.

Alfriston, Sussex, River Cuckmere, Flood plain, summer

The river Cuckmere's flood plains become a water meadow in spring. Looking east across to the raised ground of Alfriston the comfortable housing is seen nestling into its surroundings.

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, craft sculpture

South of Horam Station on the Cuckoo trail is a trail of sculptures, made in the main from local trees and naturally occurring items

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, Hellingly

Hellingly Station is now a private house, yet is being rececorated to its original appearance. The Cuckoo Trail winds past it and under the railway bridge. In true London, Brighton & South Coast Railway style, the station is about a mile and a half from the village.

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, Maynards Green

From a railway bridge at Mayards Greem, near Heathfield in Sussex the Cuckoo Trail winds its way south through the trees

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology

Fifty years ago the cloud would have been of steam as an engine and carriages passed under the viaduct. Now the view is obscured by branches, and the only traffic consists of walkers and cyclists.

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, craft sculpture, Heathfield

Deep railway cuttings need high bridges. This impressive structure is to the north of Heathfield town centre and caries a footpath still, over the Cuckoo Trail

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, craft sculpture

South of Horam Station on the Cuckoo trail is a trail of sculptures, made in the main from local trees and naturally occurring items

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, Hellingly

Snaking past the station to pass under the road bridge. The Cuckoo Trail is a poular and well used facility.

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, Horam

Station sign, platform edge... with plenty of imagination you could visualise a steam engine and two carriages coming into shot. But instead of the Cuckoo Line it's the Cuckoo Trail. Ah well.

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, Horam

The station bridge immediately to the north of the station itself. The large sign is a more recent addition: Wessons' is a bikers' cafe that pays some homage to the old railway and serves a good welcome cup of tea - or a full meal.

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, Horam

Once the station sign for Horam on the Cuckoo Line; now more for local advertising and details of the Trail of the sme name.

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology

A very fine arty finger post by the car park at the start of the southern part of the Cuckoo Trail, Heathfield, Sussex

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology

An artisitic finger post helpfully gives mileages to the main points on the original railway, now points of interest on the Sussex Cuckoo Trail.

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, tourism

the start of the southern part of the Cuckoo Trail with helpful signposts and weel-used car park.

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, Heathfield, trackbed alternative use

How are the mighty fallen. Even a quiet rural railway deserves better than to end up covered in cars. The Cuckoo Trail just south of Heathfield Station's blocked overbridge

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology

The Cuckoo trail, once a rural railway, offers peace and quiet in the sunshine

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology

Additional footpaths run atop the railway embankment: Cuckoo Trail, north of Heathfield, Sussex

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology

Over a deep cutting north of Heathfield on the Cuckoo Trail stands an impressive viaduct/footbridge. Nature is taking over, but the cut rails used as stanchions still announce their transport origins .

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology

Over a deep cutting north of Heathfield on the Cuckoo Trail stands this impressive viaduct/footbridge.

Cuckoo Trail, Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways industrial archaeology, railway wagon wheels

A wheel set from an historic wagon finds itself carrying... a seat. ON the Cuckoo Trail in Sussex, near Hellingly station

Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Heathfield, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways station, new use, retail outlet

The original Heathfield Station building from the 1880's, now in use as a successful cook's shop, Steamer Trading.

Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Heathfield, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways station, new use, retail outlet

The original Heathfield Station building from the 1880's, now in use as a successful cook's shop, Steamer Trading.

Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, Heathfield, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, railways station, new use, retail outlet

The original Heathfield Station building from the 1880's, now in use as a successful cook's shop, Steamer Trading.

Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, tunnel, Heathfield, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, blocked road bridge, skate park

A skate park built at the south portal of Heathfiend's disused railway tunnel.

Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, tunnel, Heathfield, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, blocked road bridge, skate park

By the south portal of Heathfield's railway tunnel is a skatepark, from which the station builings are seen, On the old railway track bed the over-bridge has been blocked by fencing.

Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, tunnel exit, Heathfield, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, station building

Heathfield's old station building as seen from railway track level on leaving the tunnel, southbound.

Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, tunnel, Heathfield, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex, brickwork patterns

Patterns in brickwork in the old railway tunnel under Heathfield's Co-Op store and High Street. Now used as a part of the Cuckoo Trail long distance cycleway and pathway.

Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, tunnel, Heathfield, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex

Looking towards the south Portal of the old railway tunnel under Heathfield's Co-Op store and High Street. Now used as a part of the Cuckoo Trail long distance cycleway and pathway.

Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, tunnel, Heathfield, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex

Detail of the multicoloured Victorian brickwork in the old railway tunnel under Heathfield's Co-Op store and High Street. Now used as a part of the Cuckoo Trail long distance cycleway and pathway.

Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, tunnel, Heathfield, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex

North Portal of the old railway tunnel under Heathfield's Co-Op store and High Street. Now used as a part of the Cuckoo Trail long distance cycleway and pathway.

Long distance footpath, dismantled railway, civil engineering, tunnel, Heathfield, Cycleway, Victorian engineering, Sussex

The North Portal of the old railway tunnel under Heathfield's Co-Op store and High Street yawns blackly in the bright sun. Now used as a part of the Cuckoo Trail long distance cycleway and pathway and forming the original Trail's northern extension.

Kennedy Memorial, John F Kennedy, Runnymede, USA in UK, Surrey, America, monument

Two Americans are astonished to find that an area of British soil has been given to the US to house the UK's memorial to John F Kennedy who was assassinated in 1963.

Thames, riverside, wooden launch, tree-scape, lifestyle, wealth, garden, style, Buckinghamshire, UK, foliage

A stunning riverside garden of some afluence on the River Thames in Buckinghamshire, UK

1951, Ford E83W, British Railways, Parcel Van, East Grinstead Station

A preserved Ford E83W van operated by British Railways in the 1950'-60's for parecel deliveries. This example hails from 1951. Though its surroundingas are almost anonymous it was pictured at the new Bluebell Railway East Grinstead Station.

Scammell Scarab, Mechanical Horse, British Railways, local delivery, tractor unit

The successor to the Scammell Mechanical Horse, the Scarab was also a three-wheel tractor unit. It was used widely by British Railways in towns and cities for local deliveries. Built in the 1950's, WLD 720 is pictured leaving Horsted Keynes Station on the Bluebell Railway in Sussex.

Steam Roller, Aveling & Porter, Roadman's trailer, 6 Tons, AB model, Horsted Keynes Station, Bluebell Railway

An Aveling & Porter AB Steam roller from 1830. Once a common sight all over Britain, this and other makes of road roller were ideal for the job since they were naturally heavy - 6 tons. It is preserved in Gravesend, Kent. Pictured at the picturesque Horsted Keynes Station on the Bluebell Railway in Sussex, it haas two trilers and, if returning under it's own steam, I should imagine the roadman's trailer is a necessity!

Milk float, electric vehicle, milk round, 1976, Wales & Edwards, Rangemaster, Wrights Dairies, Poole & Bournemouth

A 3-wheel Wales & Edwards 'Rangemaster' milk float from 1976. Wrights Dairies hail from Poole and Bournemouth and this appears still to be operated by them.

Foden S36, Devon, N D Carter, Cheltenham, Rigid, flatbed, 8-wheeler

A Foden S36 Rigid 8-sheeler from 1969, preserved from the hauliers N D Carter of Cheltenham.

ERF, Foden, Devon, Dropside truck, rigid HGV, Gardner engine, side view

ERF, an offshoot of the well known Foden HGV and bus manufacturers, was formed in 1933. They produced this Gardner engined dropside rigid truck in 1960 and it operated between the West Country and and Scotland. Harris & Miners were pioneers of long distant transport between Devon/Cornwall & Scotland from the late 1940s onwards.

ERF, Foden, Devon, Dropside truck, rigid HGV, Gardner engine, three-quarter view

ERF, an offshoot of the well known Foden HGV and bus manufacturers, was formed in 1933. They produced this Gardner engined dropside rigid truck in 1960 and it operated between the West Country and and Scotland. Harris & Miners were pioneers of long distant transport between Devon/Cornwall & Scotland from the late 1940s onwards.

Austin Heavy, Delivery van, Eric Lloyd & Co, Preserved van, 1920's-30's, Estate Agents

An Austin Heavy delivery van pictured a at rally in Devon.Though no details of tis particular vehicle are available, they were manufactured in the 1920's - 1930's

Leyland Tiger TS7, Stockport Corporation Transport, 1937 bus, single decker, Angela's Ashes, Great Southern Railway, English Electric, North West England, preserved bus

A Leyland Tiger TS7, which was Stockport Corporation Transport's 191 when new in 1937. The bodywork is by English Electric and has a centre entrance. The "GSR" logo on the side deserves some explanation; several vehicles were used in the filming of the 1999 movie "Angela's Ashes" (with Robert Carlyle and Emily Watson), and this was one of them. Filmed in Ireland, they were given false Irish registration numbers and liveries, and JA 7591 was painted with this "Great Southern Railway" insignia, which it still wears.

Guy Arab IV bus, historic road travel, post-war bus, preserved bus, town bus, country bus, Southdown Motor Services, PUF 647, 547, double deck

A preserved ex-Southdown Guy Arab IV double-deck bus with Park Royal bodywork, dating from 1956. It came into preservation in 1973 from Confidence Coaches of Oadby, Lincs. Pictured here at a Bluebell Railway (Sussex) Vintage Transport day, it is entering Sheffield Park Station's car park

willow tree; Salix alba; gnarled; spring; greensward

An ancient, gnarled willow stands solo in a meadow by.

Roving Bridge; Grand Union Canal; white bridge; curved bridge; changeover bridge; towpath;

A roving bridge near Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire. The graceful llines of its curved pathways are caused by the need for the towing horse to cross the canal where the towpath changes sides.

Woodland path; block paving; dappled sunshine; vanishing point; trees

IN the style of the "Yellow Brick Road", a sun-dappled woodland path meanders into the near distance.

Mallard; chicks; Anas platyrhynchos; mother; babies

A female Mallard leads her flotilla of 4 chicks on the search for food.

Horned cattle; cows drinking; river; Thames; brown and cream cows

Two cows drink from the River Thames.

River Thames; river launch; spring; trees; multicoloured foliage; Fagus sylvatica

Thte garden of a stylish home backing onto the River Thames. A copper beech is contrasted against lighter foliage whilst an imressive lauch sets off the foreground

River Thames; Berkshire; Boat House; Mock Tudor; Waterside

The distinctive, exotic mock-tudor boat house of a large Berkshire home on the River Thames.

River Thames; Steam launch; "Sandra"; Thames bridge

Steam Launch "Sandraa" belileved to be built in the 1920's or earlier, chugs down the Thames in Berkshire.

Bluebell Railway; steam train; preservation; preserved steam railway; heritage; Southern Railway; Horsted Keynes; East Sussex; token; staff; single line

Exchange of single line tokens at Horsted Keynes on the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex. Each section of line is single track. To prevent more than one train being on it, the driver carries a token, or staff, as confirmation the road is his.

Bluebell Railway; steam train; preservation; preserved passenger carriage; heritage; Southern Railway; Sheffield Park; East Sussex; Brighton Belle; Pullman

Exterior of a Pullman dining car of 1920's vintage. Christine - as she is named - runs regularly on the preserved Bluebell Railway in East Sussex

Bluebell Railway; steam train; preservation; preserved passenger carriage; heritage; Southern Railway; Sheffield Park; East Sussex; Brighton Belle; Pullman

The interior of a Pullman dining car of 1920's vintage. Christine - as she is named - runs regularly on the preserved Bluebell Railway in East Sussex. This is a table set for lunch or dinner for two people.

Bluebell Railway; steam train; preservation; preserved passenger carriage; heritage; Southern Railway; Sheffield Park; East Sussex; Brighton Belle; Pullman

The interior of a Pullman dining car of 1920's vintage. Christine - as she is named - runs regularly on the preserved Bluebell Railway in East Sussex

Bluebell Railway; steam engine; preservation; heritage; tunnel; steam; Sharpthorne; East Sussex

A cewntury-old steam engine emerges from Sharpthorne Tunnel on the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex, its exhaust eteam forming almost a separate entity from its cause.

Bluebell Railway; steam train; preservation; preserved steam engine; heritage; Southern Railway; Sheffield Park; East Sussex; loco crew

A preserved steam engine of 1892 vintage receives concerned inspection by her crew.

Bluebell Railway; steam train; preservation; preserved steam engine; heritage; Wainwright; 1902; 0-6-0; Southern Railway; Sheffield Park; East Sussex

110 years from construction, this engine still steams regularly on the preserved Bluebell Railway in East Sussex. Technically she's a Wainwright C class of 1902.

Bluebell Railway; Sussex, Sheffield Park; loco sidings; reflections; trackside; heritage; steam railway; Preservation

Creww members chat while waiting for a movement to complete at the start of a day's service on the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex.

Oak; quercus robur; grass ridge; Oxfordshire

An oak tree dominates a low ridge in deepest rural Oxfordsire

Canal; hawthorn; crataegous monogyna; oak; quercus robur; grass; ridge; Oxfordshire

A hawthorn and an oak tree balance each other in a view of a low ridge from the Oxford canal

Canal; lock; Napton Hill; Oxford canal; lock gates; sluices; paddle gear; Oxfordshire

Napton Hill and windmill (just) from a canal lock to its sounth.

Napton; Oxfordshire; canal; windmill; rural village; Folly pub; spring

The hill of Napton on the Hill from the Oxford Canal at its south. The windmill is just visible above the treeline.

Malmsmead; Exmoor; Lorna Doone; R D Blackmore; Badgworthy Water; River Bridge

The Exmoor village of Malmsmead nestles with its church at the end of the Badgworthy River bridge. This is the stepping off point to Lorna Doon country, as nearby are both the Doone valley and Oare Church made famous by R D Blackmore's novel. His memorial is in Oare Church.

Dog; sign; spaniel; lying; springer

A morose Springer who, if he could read, would go and lie somewhere else.

Trees; hill; low sun; sculpture; blue sky with clouds

Low sun adds detail to a tree-fringed Devonshire hillside on a perfect summer's day.

Boys; children; water; river Barle; Tarr Steps; Exmoor; Somerset; UK

Two lads on a rock in mid-stream on the River Barle, Tarr Steps, Exmoor, Somerset

Wooltack Point; Marloes; Pembrokeshire; natural harbour; Skokholm; Skomer

On Wooltack Point near Marloes, Pembrokeshire. Skomer Island is in the distance. A natural inlet gives shelter for fishermen returning in the evening.

Coal tit; periparus ater; chair; aquamarine background; front view

A coal tit in portrait, standing on the back of a plastic chair

House sparrow; passer domesticus; front on; aquamarine background

A female House Sparrow site on the back of a garden chair, on the prowl for food.

Fringilla coelebs; chaffinch; edge of seat; Devon

Chafffinch, perched on a plastic seat back

Blue Tit; Cyanistes caeruleus; eating; crumbs; plastic table

One way to quieten a noisy Blue Tit is to feed it (works with kids too).

Chaffinch; fringilla coelebs; rain gutter; green background

A chaffinch on the end of a rain gutter eyes a picnic table hopefully.

Fringilla coelebs; Chaffinch wing movement; wood table

A chaffinch lands on a wooden table, seeking food.

Solent; Palmerstone's Follies; Portsmouth; Napoleonic wars; defence; Spitbank Fort

The interior structure of Spitbankk Fort, one of four constructed from 1867 by Prime Minister Palmerston as coastal defences for southern Britain.

Great Crested Grebes; Waterfowl; Podiceps cristatus; swimming;

A pair of Great Crested Grebes on the Thames in Berkshire

Cambridge; River Cam; Silver Street Bridge; punting; boats; crowds

ON the River Cam, by Silver Street Bridge, two puts set out watched by crowds in Cambridge City centre.

Brendon Hills; Somerset; landscape; field pattern; English countryside

A view toward the north Somerset coast over the Brendon Hills. A slightly hazy Autumn day with welcome sun.

Bluebell Railway; East Sussex; heritage; preservation; steam; milk churns; reflection; Horsted Keynes; wood grain carriage

The window of a preserved Metropolitan Railway carriage from the 19th century reflects the scene at Hirsted Keynes station, Sussex, on the Bluebell Railway.

Bluebell Railway; East Sussex; heritage; preservation; steam; wood grain; Metropolitan; railway carriages;

The set of 1890's carriages preservd by the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex ready to leave Hirsted Keynes station, hauled by a steam loco of similar vintage. A lone passenger is the only nod the image gives to the 21st century.

Bluebell Railway; East Sussex; heritage; preservation; steam; milk churns; sign; Southern Railway; LSWR

MIlk churns await collection at Horsted Keynes station, Sussex. A piture straight out of pre-1960 Britain. The Bluebell Railway, on which line Horsted Keynes is, was the first preserved main line steam railway in the country. The churns will ahve a long wait...

Bluebell Railway; East Sussex; heritage; preservation; steam; cream tea; afternoon tea; silver service; Wealden Rambler

Afternoon cream tea is served on the Bluebell Railway's Weaden Rambler service.

Bluebell Railway; East Sussex; heritage; preservation; steam; loco cab; engine driver; fireman; child; father

Driver and fireman of a preserved steam engine talk to a four year old and his dad at their cab.

Bluebell Railway; East Sussex; heritage; preservation; steam; ticket office; office interior; 1940s; Horsted Keynes; heritage

The ticket office at Horsted Keynes Station on the preserved Bluebell line in East Sussex comes straight from the years before the second World Waar. Almost unchanged since then, tickets are still sold here today - though not at 1930's prices.

Bluebell Railway; East Sussex; heritage; preservation; steam; Horsted Keynes; rail tracks; points; station; signals; water tower; rural rail

Horsted Keynes Station on teh preserved Bluebell line in Sussex was once a junction. Its resulting five platforms are an amazement to visitors who expect a sleepy rural station at a location a mile and a half from the village.

Bluebell railway; Stem train; footplate; railway; preservation; heritage; drama; night

The fireman examines his fire, throwing a spectacular glow around his cab. British Railways Class 7F at night at Sheffield Park on the preserved Bluebell line in Sussex.

Hotel; riverside; Thames; Oxfordshire; impressive

A stunning looking building near Willingford in rural Oxfordshire.

Mute Swan; water; willow; calm; Cygnus olor

A swan at its pristine best poses for the camera

Benedictine; Whitby; Yorkshire; Gothic; Early English; Norman; St Hild; columns

The buttressed pillars in multcoloured stone that are part of the ruins of Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire, UK.

Standing stones; Church; village; Folk song; Stanton Drew; Stone circle; Somerset

Stanton Drew parish church keeps guard over the stones of the Great Circle of standing stones. The legend and lyrics of it song are found at http://www.twistedtree.org.uk/stanton_drew.htm.

Mute Swans; Abbotsbury; game; Dorset; birds; swannery; Cygnus olor

At feeding time in the Swannery in the Dorset village of Abbotsbury, swans form a moving carpet whilst trying to look dignified.

Quaint; village name; finger post; sign; signpost; Dorset; country lane; weird; unusual; Toller; Porcorum; Maiden; Newton

A weathered fingerpost to two wonderfully named, attractive villages in Dorset, UK