THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE IN DORSET – The Horsey Monument Part 1

THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE IN DORSET – The Horsey Monument Part 1

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...
Finials & Niches – Tudor ornamentation at Longford & Montacute

Finials & Niches – Tudor ornamentation at Longford & Montacute

Figure 1: Longford Castle Entrance Facade (1591). On a summer visit to Longord Castle in Wiltshire my eye was caught by some ornamental details that reminded me of Montacute House in Somerset. Whilst a completely different building to Montacute, I found myself...
Tudor Balusters

Tudor Balusters

Figure 1: Montacute House, Somerset. Balusters forming part of a balustrade on the roofline (circa late 16th C). Montacute House was a complete new build and elegant balusters were part of the design. The Tudor Renaissance Baluster The baluster became an architectural...
Anglo-Saxon Baluster Shafts: Northamptonshire

Anglo-Saxon Baluster Shafts: Northamptonshire

Figure 1: Belfry Windows with Anglo-Saxon Baluster Shafts at All Saints, Earls Barton, Northamptonshire When looking at Anglo-Saxon churches there are 4 features to look out for: Belfry Windows Triangular-headed doorways or windows Strip-work on wall surfaces...
Imagination in Wrought Iron

Imagination in Wrought Iron

The Sign Bracket of the Old Ship Inn, Castle Street, Mere, Wiltshire (circa mid-18th century) Many of us are familiar with the main trunk road that runs from Hampshire to East Devon, namely the A303. This thoroughfare forms part of the road system linking London to...
Moustachioed Gargoyles at Castle Cary

Moustachioed Gargoyles at Castle Cary

In the fallow period between Christmas and New Year I like to escape for a few hours on a local adventure. It was one such day I took myself and my camera to Castle Cary. I came upon All Saints Church on a low hill on the outskirts of the town. It has an impressive...