Villa Ventorum at The Newt Part 2: Differences between the Roman Villa & The English Elite Country House: Heating, Bathing, and Porticos
Following the development of the elite country house from the medieval period onwards, it is evident there is a discontinuity in architectural function from the Romano-British culture. The break is the influence of Anglo-Saxon culture, who have a preoccupation with...
Villa Ventorum at The Newt: A Roman Estate Reimagined – Part 1: Looking at the exterior
I recently visited the reconstructed Villa Ventorum at The Newt near Castle Cary in Somerset. It is an amazing reconstruction, and great museum. As part of the visit, you can taste Roman food, use a Roman loo, and experience the villa through a virtual reality suite....
The Somerset Medieval Church: Bells & Cockerels
I find myself increasingly noticing and enjoying the sound of church bells, whether it is the local bell ringers practicing, the time of day, or they are ringing out joyously for a wedding. The height of many church towers means that they can be heard across the...
The Somerset Medieval Church: Perpendicular Towers, Parapets & Pinnacles
Parish churches in Somerset appear to get an overhaul during the Perpendicular period from c. 1360 to c.1540. This coincided with the rise of wealth in the county. The woollen cloth trade produced a new class of aspirational and wealthy families. Although my evidence...
A SELECTION OF WEST COUNTRY MEDIEVAL FONTS
Baptism is a key, and usually the initial, sacrament in the life of a Christian. Early Christians performed the rite with immersion in water. In the medieval Christian church, the process of infusion was practiced - the pouring of water on the head of the new member...
Quests in Architectural History: My First Literary Festival Talk
On the 25th May I am speaking for the first time at the Ilminster Literary Festival. This is the first time I will have spoken as a writer. Whilst I have produced no books, I do have this blog. And aren't bloggers writers? Well, it seems so. I am pleased to say that...
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.