A quick upload today I'm afraid as I made a schoolgirl error and left all of my 'homework' until Sunday night. I am busy with Governor jobs tomorrow (a LOT of reading required it turns out!) with just about enough time to take Monty round the block, head over to the shoulder specialist, get the dinner on and go back out to another Governor committee that I Chair so I have to have a vague idea of the agenda items. Anyway - it was freezing cold and dull today and I managed to take a remarkable number of out of focus photos. I was heading home in a state of depression about the lack of activity in town (normally it's buzzing at this time of year but the weather is subduing everything) when I came across a couple of University Constables - better known as Bulldogs. I had trouble getting a clean shot before they headed off carrying two interesting leather books with chain handles which apparently were Statutes (not sure if he meant university or college). But when the crowd parted I discovered another five of the fine fellows standing outside King's. I was so desperate at this point that I was completely brazen in taking the photos - I'd have liked to ask them to pose for me but I was cold and Monty was bored. I believe there are 20 - 30 Bulldogs all told and they have a lot of powers but restrict themselves to ceremonial occasions these days. I'm going to feature them in my first 'proper' blog when I get chance to write it so there will be some interesting tidbits in there about their history. Watch this space and apologies in advance for absenteeism tomorrow. BTW a closer square crop of this was better for the men but I quite liked the context - what do you reckon - should I have closed in a bit more?
The buildings add to the photo! I would not crop them out. This is great! Did they see you taking pics? Doesn't seem so. How cold is "Freezing cold?" I figured it would be warmer there in May.
Like it just as it is. Gibbs framed by the arch is the perfect background for the men. And I don't think asking them to pose would have been better. Never heard of University Constables or bulldogs before. Fav.
The old buildings give more context I think. We can still see the policemen and the details well. Full marks for perseverance. I was out in this playing bowls and had four layers on of warm clothes.
great shot Judith - I like the context myself - never knew these were bulldogs...seen them about hundreds of times! you learn something new...! Just like Cambridge to still have the pomp and cirumstance...that's why we love it! hope you have a good day tomorrow - sounds busy!!
I never even knew these existed, have never seen them, you do seem to have the knack of being in the right place at the right time! I like the composition as it is, the buildings in the background are important context if you don't know the area.
No you couldn't have got any closer without losing that lovely distant courtyard. Fabulous outfits they are wearing & how close where you standing to them...have you got a big zoom lens? I would have had to stand quite near them to get a decent shot ! What a wonderful name for them too...bulldogs,' ' well there is life in the old dogs yet '' they all look very perky ! No bicycles,dogs,radios or picnics...spoilsports !!!
@happypat Pretty close Pat - I've got some shots of them looking straight at me with a 'she's got a nerve look' ... or possibly 'she'd do better without that dog'.
I love it this way. Awesome story, awesome photo. And believe me, I know those days where everything seems to be out of focus! Fingers crossed for the shoulder specialist tomorrow!
Fantastic shot of these four very distinquished looking gents/Bulldogs. Looking forward to those juicy/interesting tidbits about the history of the organization.
Sounds like you're having an unusually cool springtime in your part of the world!
Sounds like you're having an unusually cool springtime in your part of the world!