Garden bench

Craftsman's bench

George's Bench

Darwin's Benches

Here are some benches at Down House, home of Charles Darwin:

This one is on the front lawn, the plaque makes it clear that Darwin may have sat on a similar bench:

Here's the (fringed by a yew) view of the house he would have seen, nicely protected from his many children though:

And this covered bench is at the end of Darwin's Sandwalk. Obviously the bench isn't original - plans show a summer house would have been there when Darwin walked five times round the Sandwalk three times a day (it was called his Thinking Path):

Forest Bench

This bench, photo sent in by Alex Johnson, looks as if it is trying to get back to the trees...!

Back to back benches...

I love this beautiful bench by Simon Thomas Pirie.

Library bench

What could be better - benches + books! Bogotá, Colombia is setting up mobile libraries at bus stations and in parks:

Japanese benches

My sister, Mary Atkinson, recently traveled to Japan to support those affected after the Tsunami with massage. If you read about her worthwhile trip here, and please do - it's wonderful! - you may be surprised at how tranquil and beautiful these benches she found during her visit are:

Bench with a view

I love the idea of this farmer sitting down every so often and feeling such pleasure in where he was. If I know farmers, there would have been some weather watching too!