The Elephant and Castle, Banbury

The Elephant and Castle, Banbury is a castle, fort or tower in Cherwell, England. Perhaps it stood as a watchtower above the Cherwell valley, its stones catching light while travellers passed below. Maybe soldiers kept fire in its chambers during stormy nights, marking the boundary between known land and dark distance. Imagine a keeper climbing worn steps at dawn, reading the shape of clouds before deciding whether to signal alarm or peace.