Argument from Design

Argument from Design are extremely fortunate in that we are located in a particularly diverse region of the United Kingdom. Depending upon which direction one leaves Sheffield, there are rocky and rugged moors landscapes, rolling hills, the mountainous Pennines and of course several stately old homes and ruins. It seems only right that we should actively promote the region with a technology that we use: Quicktime VR.

Fountains Abbey lies in ruins today, a product of the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII. Many of the missing stones were taken to build local homes.

While the Abbey is in ruins, it is notable how much of this Gothic structure still stands. It was founded in 1133 and soon became part of the Cistercian order, one of the most artistically and intellectually prolific monastic orders of the middle ages.

Like Fountains Abbey, Hardwick’s Old Hall today lies in ruins. Its origins lie in the middle ages.

The most recent additions however are from the great building project taken up by Bess of Hardwick in the mid-sixteenth century.

Some of that work can be seen in this VR panorama, taken on the Hall’s second floor. The sculptures on the fireplace and surrounding walls (remarkably well-preserved, considering its exposure to the elements) are dated to the late sixteenth-century.

Hardwick’s ‘New’ Hall (construction started in 1590) was part of the great rebuilding project of Bess of Hardwick. It is only a few hundred feet away from the Old Hall.

This beautiful building is home to several tapestries and also contains a beautiful garden, including a very large herb garden. The VR film is set in the courtyard, which is surrounded by exotic, vividly-coloured plants.

Higgar Tor is just outside of Hathersage (about 12 miles west of Sheffield). If you’ve not visited it but it looks strangely familiar to you, you’ve probably seen it in the movie The Princess Bride, when the prince discerns there had been a recent duel.

This rocky, wind-whipped landscape presents a challenging climb, but rewards the visitor with a stunning view all around. The nearby hill is called Carl Wark, and it contains the remains of a Neolithic wall, rebuilt during the Roman period.

Peveril Castle, overlooking the village of Castleton, is a ruin dating from the 12th-century. The donjon is fairly intact.

The view from the castle is spectacular, looking along the ridge of the Peak District. One can see the mountain Mam Tor, and other Pennine peaks from here. The stone walls seen on the far side of Castleton are farm demarcations dating from the middle ages.

Like Peveril Castle, Mam Tor overlooks the village of Castleton. Mam Tor is a favourite spot for parasailing and hang-gliding: the day this panorama was shot, the wind was still, causing some frustration. This is not usually the case!

Mam Tor is part of a chain of hills that forms the edge of the Peak District National Park in Northern England. In the panorama, you can see the Peaks’ spine, where on one side you should see rolling hills, and on the other, a more dramatic landscape.

As the seat of one of England’s two archbishops, York Minster was one of the most important English mediaeval cathedrals. Unlike many other churches, this one is remarkably well-preserved.

Be sure to check for links in this panorama—you can look up at the beautiful vaulted ceiling!