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Tuesday 7 April 2015

Radical steps to a famous view

After following the riverside walk from Devil's Bridge along the banks of the Lune for about 3/4 of a mile, you reach a steep flight of 86 steps, known curiously as the Radical Steps. I had to look that up to see why...  Apparently in 1820, a Dr Pearson obtained an Order allowing him to divert a public footpath that ran through his garden. There was much local opposition to this, and the steps that replaced the footpath became known as the Radical Steps because of Dr Pearson's strongly held Radical (liberal) political views.

A little to the right at the top of the steps, this lovely view opens out. Sketched and painted by Turner in 1822 (see here and here), it was described by John Ruskin in 1875 as 'one of the loveliest [views] in England, therefore the world'. That may be exaggerating somewhat but it is certainly a pleasant vista of river, meadows, ancient woodlands and rolling hills.




7 comments:

  1. It is a rather lovely view. Next time I hear a politician promising "Radical Steps" I'll know what he's talking about!

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  2. Great composition and scenery, I really like the depth here.

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  3. This brings back wonderful memories of my visit there, Jenny!

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  4. That is certainly a lovely view.
    Before you explained the meaning behind 'Radical Steps', I was thinking it might be because he radically diverted them from his garden.

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  5. A very pleasing view indeed Jenny - together with your previous post of the bridges. Thank you for sharing (and for visiting). Wishing you happy healthy days

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  6. That fine view is helped tremendously by the daffodils in the left foreground.

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