This is not the great finale but rather the beginning of a long PhD journey that I, together with the Old Hall, will embark on this October. #History IS the new #future for me at @ueahistory.bsky.social & @uniofeastanglia.bsky.social & @uealandscape.bsky.social

Graduation day @uniofeastanglia.bsky.social MA Class of 2026. @ueahistory.bsky.social and @uealandscape.bsky.social where the future begins. I’ll be back in the autumn!

While organising my office I stumbled across a reminder that long before I was a published historian, I had served 25 years as a Modern Languages teacher writing educational books. #Thematisch #career-change

#EatingWithTheTudors was spotted for sale at the magnificent Tudor Ingatestone Hall near Chelmsford in Essex. ❤️

Still life, after Robert Campin. Workshop of Brigitte Webster, 21st century, English.

The natural colour of 500 year old #oak

As from today we have a #hosepipe #ban. After the second driest spring since records began I am content to oblige. What vexes me though is the fact that Anglian Water feels little urge to fix/plug their numerous leaks allowing far more water to be wasted than such a ban could possibly save.

It’s only the beginning of July and the spring fed moat is already displaying a concerningly low water level. Back in 2022 it had completely dried up by September. Before then nobody still alive can recall such an event in their lifetime. #climate-change #drought

‘Blooming spilled milk’

Enjoyed a most compelling expert talk by @sarahangelroofs.bsky.social on East Anglian angel roofs at Hungate medieval church last night.

A rather unexpected visitor to my office today. Pretty sure his mother had not left him there. This adventurous #leveret was named Barnaby and safely returned to the lavender border by the front door from where his mother would be able to pick him up at feeding time.

“O! beware, my lord ,of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on” Shakespeare - as relevant as ever. Riveting performance by The Lord Chamberlain's Men at Norwich Cathedral today. #Othello

Looking forward to tonight’s candy #Othello

Woodbine was the more common name for #honeysuckle in C16 England. This unknown artist (circa 1586) captured the colours pretty well.

Forgotten winter lights unable to stand their ground being faced with the intensity of summer sun

Strewing herb season is on! #lavender is up first!

My Tudor inspired rose arbour project in collaboration with nature’s drive. How it started (in 2022) and how it’s going (now)

Brigitte’s Bower at Old Hall, traditionally said to have been built for contemplation and musing.

If you can’t beat it, use it. Duckweed provides the perfect backdrop

Charity shop or #toy auction? #marbles

This is Kew Rambler identifying as dog rose, offering a longer blooming spectacle.

Starting the day at a very pleasant 23C but it won’t last. Climbing rapidly.

You could be right

It’s almost eight o’clock in the evening and we are still clocking 32 degrees in the shade (36 degrees in the afternoon)I sincerely hope that this is not the new norm for the UK as not much got done all day.

#Rose glamour. Banqueting house being rambled by Rosie.

Rare visitor to Old Hall tonight. #Cockchafer

If you are contemplating custodianship of a Tudor home, you may be interested in my ‘hands-on’ approach featured in issue 23 of @tudorplaces.bsky.social

#EarlyModern #Raspberry season in full swing! Recipe from A Closet for Ladies and Gentlewomen

And another lot goes down beneath the floorboards… Future custodians will have a field day.

Best ever show put on by my roses this year. Six years ago this part of the garden was a much neglected, barren and sad patch of ground. One of my many lockdown projects turned it into a multi sensory paradise.