Comments on: A Sham Sepulchre in Rome, & three more at home (& a detour to Brussels)

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 07 May 2022 12:39:19 +0000

In reply to Graham Daw. Hello Graham. Thanks for sharing this very interesting information about Werrington. It’s wonderful to have the extra tool of LIDAR to help with research and I hope you continue to learn more about the site. Thanks also for the kind comments.

By: Graham Daw

Graham Daw — Tue, 03 May 2022 20:13:15 +0000

The Sugar Loaves at Werrington were standing twenty years ago although with crumbling stonework. Each cone stood on a high cubic base forming a ‘T’ in plan. The leading pair were linked by an arch under which was a seat.
Werrington Park has or had the full bag of elements forming an early Arcadian landscape.
I have been studying LIDAR images of it and the amphitheatre of Temple of the Sun shows very clearly as does the Ruined Castle. For the latter its position is clear but the arrangement is a little hazy. Rectangular tower bases flanking circular ones. All enormously stretched out to form a screen similar to the travel journal painting by Rev. John Swete.
Roger Morris could be involved here. The church which has a wide eye catching West front- echoes of Filliegh here- and the now lost 18C stables which had a Tuscan portico.
Watercolour World has some illustrations of Werrington. A fancied up Warren House seen there is a delight.
I look forward to your Saturday morning posts. Thank you for them.

By: Editor

Editor — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 13:46:22 +0000

In reply to Judy Rossiter. Delighted you enjoy the posts. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

By: Judy Rossiter

Judy Rossiter — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:54:54 +0000

Thank you for another fascinating account of these disappearing features in our historic landscapes . Your research and delightful articles will help to keep them alive . You manage to make a whole picture out of pieces of a jigsaw puzzle !

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 11:21:02 +0000

In reply to Pat G. My A level in Ancient History is now ancient history itself I’m afraid. There doesn’t seem to be a firm answer: historians suggest late in the period of the Roman Republic.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 11:14:45 +0000

In reply to Jane (in Leeds). Delighted to be of service!

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 11:13:48 +0000

In reply to Lisa. Thank you! Plenty of wonderful places on our doorstep to explore soon, and we can plan some more exotic travels as we wander.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 11:10:54 +0000

In reply to Gand. Good question! I’ve tried and failed to come up with an erudite and witty response. Will ponder this one...

By: Pat G

Pat G — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 11:04:25 +0000

Is anything known about the origins of the Sham Sepulchre itself?

By: Jane (in Leeds)

Jane (in Leeds) — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 10:51:53 +0000

Thanks for solving our often pondered mystery of the Roman monument at Studley. We’ve come up with many theories over the years whilst walking in the estate – with it’s current bleak appearance, one was that it was a gaol for incarcerating poachers!
Will have to look out for any illustrations showing its original form.