Gezicht op St Mary's Tower before 1877

This photograph of St Mary's Tower was created by James Valentine, likely in the mid-19th century. As photography became more accessible, images like this played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of civic and religious spaces. The image's composition directs our gaze towards the towering church, a symbol of both spiritual and social authority. Consider the era in which this photograph was made; the church was a central institution, its architecture designed to inspire awe and reinforce social hierarchies. Valentine's choice to capture it from this angle emphasizes its dominance over the surrounding landscape and, by extension, the lives of the community. Photographs such as this serve as historical documents, reflecting the values and power structures of their time. To truly understand this work, one might delve into the archives of local historical societies, church records, and architectural studies. It is through this interdisciplinary approach that we can fully appreciate the photograph's layered meanings.