Category Archives: Robert Smythson

From the Ground Up

My debut novel is now available. Launched on September 14, 2024, it’s the first novel in a new historical mystery series. In Elizabethan England, stonemason Robert Smythson is hired by the tyrannical Sir John Thynne to rebuild the great house … Continue reading

Posted in Architecture/stonemasonry, Longleat, Robert Smythson, Uncategorized, Writing | Comments Off on From the Ground Up

Stately house, part III: Hardwick

Inspired by a recent cnn.com article about how to fund a British stately home or manor house in modern times, I thought I would write about how my three favorite houses have handled this.  For Wollaton, see here for Longleat, see here.  Finally, I … Continue reading

Posted in England, Hardwick Hall, Robert Smythson, Travel | Comments Off on Stately house, part III: Hardwick

Stately house, part II: Longleat

Inspired by a recent cnn.com article about how to fund a British stately home or manor house in modern times, I thought I would write about how my three favorite houses have handled this.  For Wollaton, see here.  Next up: … Continue reading

Posted in England, Longleat, Robert Smythson, Travel | Comments Off on Stately house, part II: Longleat

Stately house, part I: Wollaton Hall

Inspired by a recent cnn.com article about how to fund a British stately home or manor house in modern times, I thought I would write about how this has been handled by my three favorite houses.  First up: Wollaton Hall. Wollaton … Continue reading

Posted in England, Robert Smythson, Wollaton Hall | 1 Comment

Pilgrimage

The year is 1568. Queen Elizabeth sits on the throne of England. Mary, Queen of Scots, has fled Scotland seeking refuge with her cousin Elizabeth. Instead, she finds herself imprisoned and turned over to the Earl and Countess of Shrewsbury. … Continue reading

Posted in England, Longleat, Robert Smythson, Travel, Writing | 1 Comment