That Bosham harbour had a Roman settlement at least cannot
be disputed as excavations of the church discovered Roman
foundations. Local tradition suggest that the Emperor
Vespasian, commander of the 2nd Legion Augusta, arrived in
Bosham in AD44 and built a palace here. Whilst there has been
much evidence of a Roman encampment at Bosham, the location
and indeed even the existence of the 'Vespasian Palace' is
disputed.
Bosham Church has a history dating back to
the Saxon time and also features in scene 2 of the Bayeux
Tapestry. King Harold Godwinson is seen entering the church at
Bosham to pray for safe passage to France, before holding a
feast at the Manor House at Bosham (one of Harolds many
houses). Harold is subsequently captured by Count Guy up on
his arrival at Ponthieu in France.
King Harold was a
son of Godwin the Earl of Wessex - one of the most powerful
Earl's in England under King Canute, and it is believed that
Bosham was Harold's birthplace. It is perhaps the local
history involving King Canute which is more interesting
despite certain events and location being much disputed as
with the Roman Connections.
According to local legend
it is at Bosham Harbour that King Canute tried (or proved the
futility of trying) to hold back the tide, depending on which
account you happen to be reading. Bosham is not unique with
regard to ownership of this event as there is also a claim at
Southampton and also at Gainsborough in Lancashire.
"Bosham Harbour Church" took around an hour to photograph, as
this path is frequented by both locals and tourists alike and
to find a gap in the foot traffic requires a lot of patience.
I decided again that this image required a painterly feel so
did increase the dynamic range and gave the photo my usual
treatment, and in addition because of the lens I was using, I
had to use a little perspective correction to straighten the
church. This is one of my favourite pieces and I hope you like
it too. |