High above an arch leading to the Lady chapel of St Mary’s, Horncastle, Lincolnshire is a collection of 13 agricultural scythes. Local legend states that the scythes had been used as weapons …

Wayne Perkins 18th July 2026 This short blog is a response to the recent article in the Guardian, published on the 9th July 2026 wherein architectural historian Jennifer Alexander made claims contr…

Exterior of the Upminster Tithe Barn. Photo: © W Perkins 2026. Upminster Tithe Barn was built c.1450 as part of the estate that supported Waltham Abbey. It has recently been restored to the tune of…

Chapter 3 deals with ‘apotropaic’ graffiti and inscriptions and discusses the appropriate use of the terms, ‘apotropaic’ or ‘ritual protection marks’ for the motifs recorded in ancient buildings Th…