Images of the Medieval Church: Stained Glass at All Saints’ York – Angels, Acts of Mercy & Spectacles
The 14th and 15th centuries produced diverse artwork in churches that reflected back to the viewer an image to provoke thought about the state of their soul and moral life. It could be instructive about areas such as social order and morality lessons such as those...
Glastonbury Abbey’s Hospitium: The George & Pilgrims’ Inn
In a prominent position in the high street of Glastonbury, Somerset, lies The George & Pilgrims’ Inn. It was originally the hospitium of Glastonbury Abbey, dating from circa 1475.[i] It is situated outside the abbey precinct of the once great Benedictine...
The George Inn, Norton St Philip: Wine, Wool & Worship
There is something evocative about the idea of a medieval inn. Perhaps it stems from Chaucer’s Canterbury tales conjuring up images of The Tabard inn in Southwark, London – with ‘mine host’, tasty pies and pilgrims telling stories whilst sat beside a warm fire,...
HARRY CLARKE: Genius of Stained Glass – The Eve of St Agnes, Salome’s Shoes and Sturminster Newton
Harry Clarke (1889-1931) I have a hope that all young artists (and in particular illustrators and graphic artists) study the work of Harry Clarke. A superb illustrator, colourist, designer, draughtsman and graphic artist. Costume and shoe designers could also learn a...
An Architectural Pilgrimage – The Nativity Façade of Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
I believe that every student of architecture and architectural history should make at least one pilgrimage to the truly astonishing basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (also known as Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family). It is beyond compare in terms of...
Kingston Lacy: A Civil War Heroine, The Philae Obelisk & Tortoises
Situated near Wimborne Minster in the Dorset countryside in an incongruous site. An ‘Italian Palazzo’ which would possibly be more at home in the Veneto. Light, Italianate and airy, whilst still retaining something of England. Perhaps it is the large double-hung sash...
Exploring Building History
Exploring Building History is a non-commercial site. It is my own personal musings on architectural history. There is wealth of built heritage in England, and as I explore and think about what I see, I post my reflections on this site.