Julian's Bower

Mazes are associated with the legend of Theseus threading the Cretan labyrinth to slay the minotaur, a common, theme in ancient life.

Turf mazes often bore the name of 'Julian's Bower' or 'Walls of Troy'. It is supposed that the names record the belief that Julius, son of Aeneas, legendary founder of Rome, brought maze games to Italy from Troy after its sacking by the Greeks.

Maze patterns were adopted by the early church as a symbol of the Christian path to salvation and many have been used for penitential purposes.

Because of its likeness to a maze pattern in medievil French churches, it has been suggested that Julian's Bower was first cut by monks from Walcot. In Elizabethan and Stuart times turf mazes were used for sport on the village green and hedge mazes were a common feature in gardens.

Julian's Bower, which is one of the few remaining turf mazes in Britain, was first recorded on 1697 when it was thought to be Roman, but its real age and origin still remain unproven.

In the distance can be seen the confluence of three rivers, the Trent, the Ouse and the Humber and in the mid distance the newly created flood plain.

Looks best large to get the feel of the place.

Camera:	Canon EOS 40D
Lens:	19-20mm
Recording media:	RAW (digital)

Title:	Julian's Bower
Username:	MalcolmS
Uploaded:	21 Mar 2008 - 5:23 PM
Tags:	Alkborough, Flowers & plants, General, Julian\'s bower, Landscape / travel, Maze
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