The Needle’s Eye

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”
Matthew 19:23–26

In 1730, the Marquis Of Rockingham scoffed at this and said he was powerful enough and rich enough to drive his whole coach and horses through the needles eye.
The wager was set at £10. A considerable amount in 1730. He built the Needle’s Eye folly, drove through it and did indeed win the bet.

Located on the Wentworth estate in South Yorkshire, the Needle’s Eye is easily accessible, just a short walk from the road side.
The day before, I had plans to go exploring for a different folly with friends but circumstances got in the way and that little trip had to be cancelled. With a chance of some clear skies around sunset, I decided that this folly and those trees in full autumn colour were the better option. I was sure it would make the perfect location to capture some sun stars and make up for the previous days disappointment.

Sun stars are an easy addition to a composition - by setting a narrow aperture and lining up the sun with the edge of something solid, like the folly or a tree.
It’s simple yet effective and is something I teach on my workshops if the conditions allow.

I had the location to myself and stayed until the sun had set, capturing the various angles and even took the drone out for a quick flight.

Oh, and one more historical/location fact: One side of the arch is pockmarked by musket balls, all at head height. Some believe it to be evidence that the location was used for execution by firing squad!