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...
Anglo-Saxon Stones at Frome
Whilst idly wandering around the wonderful Frome Independent Market on a sunny Sunday afternoon, I found myself drawn into St. John The Baptist Church for a brief escape from the hustle and bustle. In the church I came across what appeared to be 2 random Saxon stones...
Statement Dovecotes Part 2 – 16th C Pigeon House at Athelhampton House, Dorset
The early-16thC dovecote or pigeon house at Athelhampton House sits in a solitary position close to the main house. It was meant to be seen and admired in form and function. Its practical function was to provide the best conditions for the pigeon parents to raise the...
Statement Dovecotes Part 1: 15th C Pigeon House at Palmer’s Farm, Wilmcote
Palmer’s Farm Dovecote (right-hand building) – part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust at Mary Arden’s Farm A few days ago, there was a great scrabbling in the garden. I rushed out to discover the dog had captured and dispatched a pigeon. Whilst upset at the demise...
Arcadia in Dorset Part 3
Arcadia in Dorset Part 3: Cranborne Manor House Gatehouse Tudor and early-Stuart gatehouses were built close to the houses they served. They usually opened into a court in front of the house. It was later in the 17th C that they became unfashionable and in the 18th C...
Arcadia in Dorset Part 2
On the south front of Cranborne Manor House is a delightful and compact early 17th C loggia. It is centred as the main entrance (the far west wing being added later) and positioned between the 13th C stair turret and buttress. There are 3 rusticated arches with what...
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.