Blickling, the Hobarts and Norfolk

The south front door at Blickling Hall.

Below are some photos taken recently in the snow at Blickling Hall, Norfolk.

Little is written about the largely 17th century house during the English Civil War, though the affiliation of the owning family is suggested through a number of sources, including a letter penned by Cromwell: the first letter to be published in a contemporary newsbook ...

What next for Nottingham Castle?

The castle's gatehouse and bridge (the bit that does look like a castle!), showing the original medieval masonry topped by Victorian renovation. 

"It's not a castle, it's just a small scale 'heritage' centre that is in dire need of update. Parking is a nightmare. Avoid." - Pete B, Tripadvisor, Feb 24th 2013

Nottingham Castle isn't that bad. But for as long as I've visited, it's been a funny old place.

"Where's the castle?" many ask after buying their ticket. They have a point. The 17th century Ducal palace high on the rocky outcrop hardly looks like one. Its full title even suggests a need to justify itself. Google it and 'Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery' comes up. It's true - there's a good art gallery, a rather esoteric museum collection and other displays. It does what it says on the tin - just about.

But it's not the brooding, medieval home of the nasty Sheriff of Nottingham beloved of myth-hunters.

All this, however, might be about to change. Development plans are on the table which would see it transformed into a primarily Robin Hood-themed attraction. 17th century buffs are familiar with the site as the place where Charles I raised his standard in 1642 - but will there be a place for the Nottingham's role in the English Civil War in the new narrative? And what about all the other things the city's famous for?

'Intrusive' wind turbine to impact on Adwalton Moor

One of one four plaques on Adwalton Moor commemorating the battle of 30 June 1643. © Copyright Richard Kay (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Plans for a wind turbine on the edge of the Adwalton Moor battlefield have been deemed 'intrusive' by Kirklees Council.

The application is still open for public comments, though these must be submitted by 9 July 2012 ...

York skeletons confirmed as English Civil War dead

Google map of the excavation site on the junction of Fawcett Street/Kent Street, York, prior to re-development. View larger map
113 skeletons found in York have been proven to be from the English Civil War siege of 1644.

Scientists from BBC History Cold Case conducted a series of tests on the bones, which were found at the junction of Fishergate and Kent Street after a routine rescue excavation in 2007-8 ...