Jan 16, 2020
Montacute House is a rare survival from the late Elizabethan moving into the early-Jacobean period. In this post I wish to examine an aspect of decoration in the great hall that tells of how local villagers would deal with a particular transgression of a neighbour....
Dec 31, 2019
The spectacular gatehouse of Layer Marney is embellished with astounding terracotta ornamentation. This is particularly impressive when taking the date of its build into consideration. It was built during the early part of Henry VIII’s reign (reign was 1509 to 1547)....
Dec 24, 2019
In the porch of the exit (west end) of Exeter Cathedral are statues representing the Nativity. It is difficult to photograph as the space is confined and there are 2 scenes, one on top of the other. The upper scene appears to be of Mary cradling Jesus, with the...
Dec 17, 2019
Nestling in the Essex countryside is the magnificent early-Tudor gatehouse of Layer Marney. It was intended to be the imposing entrance to what would have been a grand early-16th C house. Only the wings of the intended house and the gatehouse were completed....
Oct 11, 2019
The Horsey Monument at Sherborne Abbey I find tomb monuments fascinating. They preserve not just a record of individuals but elements of architectural design, ornament, clothing, jewellery, belief, symbolism, image and identity. The Horsey monument in Sherborne Abbey...
Oct 4, 2019
The Horsey Monument at Sherborne Abbey circa 1565 As I drive around the county of Somerset my journey is frequently punctuated by travel news from BBC Somerset. Often queuing traffic is backed up at the Horsey roundabout at the crossing of the A3088 and the A30 in...
