Alfred Hawkins
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alfredrjhawkins.bsky.social
Alfred Hawkins
@alfredrjhawkins.bsky.social
Assistant Curator of Historic Buildings @TowerOfLondon for @HRP_palaces & @PortsmouthCath Cathedral Archaeologist. BBC @historyextra 30under30 2024 (sadly now over 30). Sometimes on TV. All views my own & all pictures my own.
This week, we have been mostly removing the eastern windows of the Chapel Royal and Royal Peculiar of Saint Peter ad Vincula within the #toweroflondon (mostly known as the burial place of #anneboleyn #catherinehoward and #ladyjanegrey ) which was built between 1519-20.
January 9, 2025 at 7:12 PM
A misty and dramatic visit to #BattleAbbey today - which will always be a special place for me growing up in Hastings. The absolutely stunning #13thcentury novices' room located beneath the dormitory is always particularly breathtaking! Just a shame the Romanesque abbey doesn't survive.
December 29, 2024 at 3:38 PM
Reposted by Alfred Hawkins
Hello new followers!

I’m Will, and I’m a historian and archaeologist of medieval Britain.

I post a lot about medieval buildings.

Part of my job is to make medieval buildings and medieval history more interesting and engaging for you - the public!

Welcome!

📸 Inveraray Castle (2019)
November 13, 2024 at 3:44 PM
This festive season I've had the privilege to give 3 readings at the Chapel of Saint Peter ad Vincula - while I love doing them the best bit really is the choir!
December 16, 2024 at 11:58 PM
Reposted by Alfred Hawkins
✨That feeling you have when you've always wanted to see a place because of its remarkable continuity and survival, a place that held the bones of Saxon saints and kings - and you get the 1st glimpse and it's everything you imagined. The C9th crypt at St. Wystan’s, Repton.
December 13, 2024 at 6:57 AM
Reposted by Alfred Hawkins
The most magically festive day at the most magical place, but most of all with the most magical people. Loved our festive day at Windsor Castle @drowenemmerson.bsky.social & @alfredrjhawkins.bsky.social 🎄❤️✨
December 12, 2024 at 7:27 PM
Fonts on Friday is my new favourite thing
Eleventh century font at Patricio, Powys which is inscribed around the rim 'Menhir made me in the time of Genillin'. referring to the 11th century heir of Rhys Coch, Prince of Powys. It’s often missed by the many visitors to this wonderful church. #fontsonFriday
November 29, 2024 at 12:03 PM
#StMargaretsTivetshall, a #Norfolkchurch gem with it's amazing rood screen and #Elizabethen tympanum which so rarely survive. If that wasn't enough, it also has a 15th century roof and pew ends. Sadly heated with gas canisters...

It was a great joy to visit with @drowenemmerson.bsky.social
November 28, 2024 at 11:36 PM
Reposted by Alfred Hawkins
Medieval bench end at Little Fransham church, Norfolk
November 27, 2024 at 8:18 AM
Today I have been quite thoroughly needled
November 22, 2024 at 9:49 PM
Reposted by Alfred Hawkins
Back at Kilpeck Church, Herefordshire.

Pevsner described the decoration as ‘sumptuous.’

Honestly one of the most remarkable things I’ve laid eyes on.

#adoorablethursday
November 21, 2024 at 8:05 AM
Tonight at 8 on #channel5 it's time for the new series of #insidethetower

This series you'll see me talking about some very special doors in the White Tower!
November 21, 2024 at 9:35 AM
To punctuate the church posts here is some beautiful surviving 12th century masonry in the 14th century great hall at #portchestercastle looked after by #englishheritage

The Tower has to be my favourite castle for obvious reasons but Portchester is a very, very close second.
November 20, 2024 at 9:40 PM
Coming soon to a TV near you - it's me! (Again)
November 18, 2024 at 9:08 PM
Reposted by Alfred Hawkins
Good evening. Here’s the tiled floor of the Poyntz chapel in the Lord Mayor’s Chapel (a medieval hospital) in Bristol. Dates to c.1520s- majority imported Spanish Mudéjar tiles with some salvaged C13-14 English ones. Mercantile bling.
November 18, 2024 at 7:20 PM
'As far as aesthetic ambitions and aesthetic achievement go, #StMaryRedcliffe need not fear comparison with any other English parish church' - possibly the most accurate of Pevsner's descriptions.

Very lucky to have the church almost to myself when I visited - and to have battery left in my camera!
November 18, 2024 at 7:27 AM
The outstanding roof and ceiling of St Mark's Church, better known as the Lord Mayor's Chapel, from a recent trip to Bristol.

Both sections appear to date from the early 16th century. However beautiful the ceiling is, the roof is also an outstanding survival - complete with dual wind braces!
November 17, 2024 at 3:17 PM
Hello there! I'm Alfred - Assistant Curator of Historic Buildings at the #toweroflondon & #banquetinghouse and Cathedral Archaeologist at #portsmouthcathedral. I am occasionally on TV, but I spend most of my time wandering around castles, churches and cathedrals - do follow if you like old places!
November 17, 2024 at 9:40 AM