The Moon Behind St Catherine’s Oratory – Chale

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Beneath a starry sky, The Moon Behind St Catherines Oratory - Chale creates a halo around the silhouetted stone tower. Its long shadow stretches over the grassy landscape as the horizon glows subtly in orange and blue tones.

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Description

A full moon rises behind St Catherine’s Oratory, in Chale on the Isle of Wight.

The tall, octagonal tower, the shell of a medieval lighthouse, was built in 1314 as a penance for stealing wine from a merchant ship that ran aground on the treacherous rocks of Atherfield Ledge.

The cargo of 174 casks, from Edward II’s Duchy of Aquitaine in France, was salvaged, and much of the wine came into the hands of Walter de Godeton, who owned land in the manor of Chale. Charged with illegally recieving the wine, bound for the monastery of Livers in Picardy, he was ordered to pay a large fine and was almost excommunicated from the Catholic Church. To atone for his sin, Walter built a lighthouse with an oratory for a priest to tend to the light and pray for wrecked sailors.

Affectionately known as the Pepperpot, it stands on one of the highest parts of the Island and is the only medieval lighthouse surviving in England.

Reviews

  1. Under a starry sky, a car cruises along Military Road with The Light of Life headlights, illuminating a narrow path. The Milky Way galaxy creates a stunning backdrop of stars and cosmic dust, as if guiding the journey.

    Joshua H. (verified owner)

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  2. The Heather at Headon Warren Featuring The Needles - West Wight captures a breathtaking night scene with the Milky Way across a starry sky, distant lights illuminating the coast, purple heather fields in the foreground, and The Needles on the ocean horizon.

    Mark (verified owner)

    Absolutely beautiful – am delighted with my purchase.

  3. Aerial view of the Isle of Wight’s coastal landscape, where steep, white cliffs jut into the sea. A lighthouse perches at the tip, beneath an overcast sky with a glowing band of orange from the setting sun. Mist rolls in from the left.

    Phil H. (verified owner)

    Fantastic photo and our friends on the I-o-W love it and were really pleased with the service when they picked it up. They also love your gallery. Thank you from Australia

  4. At sunset, St Helens Fort Walk - Bembridge leads to a circular fort on a rocky island, surrounded by calm sea waters. Visitors stroll the scenic path, enjoying views of gentle hills and fields nearby.

    Richard S. (verified owner)

    Christmas present for my sister, she will love it.

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