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Medieval graffiti in Hertfordshire churches
Medieval graffiti provides a fascinating insight into life six centuries ago. Here, we look at six churches to learn about their secrets
Michael Smith
Mar 145 min read
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St Wystan's church, Repton, Derbyshire and its Anglo-Viking historic landscape
A visit to the historic church of St Wystan at Repton, Derbyshire, home to a magnificent Anglo-Saxon crypt and a rich Viking heritage.
Michael Smith
Nov 26, 20248 min read
29 views
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The Battle of Maldon, 991 - an epic tale of defiance, folly and communal loyalty
Northsey Island near Maldon in Essex is the site of a famous battle between the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons and celebrated in an epic poem.
Michael Smith
Oct 20, 20247 min read
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All Saints' Church, Brixworth, Northamptonshire – a magnificent Anglo-Saxon survival
A visit to the Grade 1-listed church of All Saints at Brixworth, Northamptonshire, the largest Anglo-Saxon building standing in England.
Michael Smith
Oct 14, 20245 min read
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Wayland's Smithy, Oxfordshire - the making of an original linocut print
An article about the creation of a linocut print featuring Wayland's Smithy, a neolithic chambered cairn near the White Horse of Uffington.
Michael Smith
Feb 19, 20243 min read
65 views


Book Review: The Road by Christopher Hadley
A review of Christopher Hadley's fascinating new book about a forgotten Roman Road, RR21b, and the traces it has left behind.
Michael Smith
Feb 5, 20235 min read
696 views
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Book Review: Field Notes by Maxim Peter Griffin - a walk on the wild side
A book review of Field Notes by Maxim Peter Griffin. A feast of art and words describing the landscape, mood and people of Lincolnshire.
Michael Smith
Aug 13, 20223 min read
204 views
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The motorway motte - Lilbourne castle and mediaeval village, Northamptonshire
A description of the fascinating early mediaeval motte and bailey, fishponds, village earthworks and church at Lilbourne, Northamptonshire
Michael Smith, Author, Translator, Printmaker
Jul 2, 20214 min read
513 views
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The Sheela Na Gig sculpture and St Christopher wall paintings at Oaksey in Wiltshire, England
A few years ago, pre lockdown, I took the opportunity to turn off the M4 and track down an astonishing mediaeval sheela na gig sculpture...
Michael Smith
May 8, 20213 min read
568 views
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Pleshey and Great Canfield Castles – Two Norman Mottes in Essex
A detailed look at two magnificent Norman motte-and-bailey castles in Essex: Great Canfield and Pleshey. Both are well worth the trip to see
Michael Smith, Mythical Britain
May 25, 20205 min read
568 views
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The Brereton Tomb, St Oswald's Church, Malpas, Cheshire
A detailed look at the magnificent tomb of Sir Randal and Lady Eleanor Brereton at Malpas, Cheshire. A fine example of Chellaston work.
Michael Smith
Feb 14, 20206 min read
813 views
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Book Review: Hollow Places by Christopher Hadley
Hollow Places is a fascinating examination of how legends grow through time and yet have a basis in truth. A stunning examination of the leg
Michael Smith, Author, Translator, Printmaker
Sep 2, 20194 min read
381 views
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Bolingbroke Castle, Lincolnshire - a wonder in the fens
Bolingbroke Castle is a special castle with a history fundamentally linked to the history of England. Built on an hexagonal plan, the castle
Michael Smith, Author, Translator, Printmaker
Mar 18, 20195 min read
302 views
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The historic landscape at Castle Bytham in Lincolnshire
A description of the astonishing motte and bailey castle at Castle Bytham, Lincolnshire, with its historic earthworks and man-made landscape
Michael Smith, printmaker, Mythical Britain
Aug 12, 20183 min read
83 views
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In search of the De Veres - St Nicholas Church at Castle Hedingham
St Nicholas Church in Castle Hedingham, Essex contains a rich collection of Norman, mediaeval and Tudor work. Of particular interest is a ra
Michael Smith, printmaker, Mythical Britain
Jul 22, 20184 min read
133 views
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The Mediaeval Graffiti at Anstey, Hertfordshire
Learn about the fabulous mediaeval graffiti at Anstey in Hertfordshire, including shields, helmets, writing and more.
Michael Smith, printmaker, Mythical Britain
May 23, 20183 min read
221 views
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Great Canfield, Essex – a remarkable “hidden” Norman church
The church of St Mary’s at Great Canfield in the county of Essex is remarkable. While from the outside its windows and decoration give...
Michael Smith, Mythical Britain
Oct 28, 20173 min read
783 views
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Stonehenge Tunnel - a denial of democracy in pursuit of money? Updated November 2020
This morning we had final confirmation of the tunnel to be built near Stonehenge. After centuries of evocative journeys, from now on...
Michael Smith, Mythical Britain
Sep 12, 20175 min read
610 views
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