Thoresby College in King's Lynn, Norfolk, was built in the early 1500s as the accommodation for thirteen chantry priest of the Trinity Guild of King's Lynn. The job of the priests was to pray in St Margaret's, St Nicholas' and St James for the King, the kingdom, the Aldermen, brethren and benefactors of the Guild. After the Reformation the the College lost its religious purpose and became a secular building serving as a house, a warehouse and a school among other things. In 1963 it underwent extensive work to preserve the building in very much the form that had developed down the centuries. Part of it became a Youth Hostel and other parts were used for offices and housing.
The photograph shows the lawned courtyard at the centre of the quadrangle of buildings. In particular it displays the Judas Tree in full flower. This species (Cersis siliquastrum) is so named because it is reputed to be the tree from which Judas Iscariot hanged himself. This example must be quite old and well-liked because its branches are being supported by steel posts to prevent them breaking off.
photograph and text © Tony Boughen
Photo Title: Judas Tree, Thoresby College, King's Lynn, Norfolk
Camera: Olympus E-M10
Mode: Aperture Priority
Focal Length: 9mm (18mm - 35mm equiv.) crop
F No: f4
Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec
ISO:200
Exposure Compensation: -0.3 EV
Image Stabilisation: On
