[ BELLAPAIS ABBEY ] There's a Brit who deserves a statue in TRNC..!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 20:24

When the British arrived in Cyprus and their Colonial Rule started (1878-1960) the island was in a very poor state. Centuries of neglect by non interested Ottoman Turks meant that many medieval monuments (Lusignan and Venetian period) were on the brink of collapse. An example is Bellapais Abbey, once the retreat of Frankish Kings.

That's why we should remember the British architect Mr George Jeffery who at the time worked day and night to save (for us) what still could be restored. When you can visit and see Bellapais Abbey today it's mainly thanks to his work.

If you follow the safe link below you can compare how the restored Bellapais Abbey looks now - and 120 years ago...



▶ [ http://is.gd/t2NpKw/Bellapais_Abbey ].

suehowlittle


Joined: 31/10/2010
Posts: 1202

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 20:52

Wow! Thankyou so much for showing us the photos, I had no idea that it was in such a poor state, we just take things so much for granted. You are right, this architect should have a memorial stone at least up there.



Once again, thankyou.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 20:56

As far as I know there's no memorial stone for George Jeffery in TRNC - but he smartly did it more or less for himself...

"The central marble column with its Corinthian capital, is an antique piece, and was re-erected by George Jeffery at the beginning of the 20th century. It carries a massive springing stone."

▶ [ http://www.allcrusades.com/CASTLES/CYPRUS/BELLAPAIS/Chapter-and-classroom/pictures/s3500000.html ].

kingm


Joined: 27/11/2011
Posts: 34

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 23:32

i second that very imformative thanks .

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
05/12/2011 11:14

If you would be interested to know more about the great Brit Mr George Jeffery (unvaluable for Cyprus!):

"Archaeological Museum, Nicosia.

One of the earliest architectural projects of the British colonial power was the archaeological museum in Nicosia (1908-24). The construction of the museum went along with the implementation of a legal framework to control excavations and the trade of archaeological artifacts.

The museum was to become the main place for showcasing and storing the numerous archaeological findings that had no home up to that point.

The British architect and “Curator of Ancient Monuments” George Jeffery designed the museum as a series of galleries organized around a central open courtyard."

More text and pictures here:

▶ [ http://www.eahn.org/site/en/virtualtour209twentiethcenturycyprus.php ].

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
05/12/2011 18:23

In my photo archive I found, let's call it a tribute, a picture to honour the British architect Mr George Jeffery...

▶ [ http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/DSC01588_72.jpg ].



And a close-up of the ancient (Roman) column:

▶ [ http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/DSC01588_cut_72.jpg ].

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
05/12/2011 20:29

Final.

In which countries did people read and view the photographs in msg 1:

▶ [ http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/Jeffery_views_per_country.jpg ].