Mythical Britain is the home of Michael Smith - author, printmaker, translator and performer of medieval romances

The church of St Mary the Virgin at Dodford in Northamptonshire has a rich collection of medieval effigies and monuments spanning three centuries. A visit is highly recommended.

Monumental brasses in English churches provide a fascinating insight into society, fashion and aesthetics. In this post we look at a variety of brasses from Essex, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire, dating from between 1350 and 1580.

Medieval graffiti provides a fascinating insight into life six centuries ago. Here, we look at six churches to learn about their secrets

A visit to the historic church of St Wystan at Repton, Derbyshire, home to a magnificent Anglo-Saxon crypt and a rich Viking heritage.

A visit to the Grade 1-listed church of All Saints at Brixworth, Northamptonshire, the largest Anglo-Saxon building standing in England.

A description of the fascinating early mediaeval motte and bailey, fishponds, village earthworks and church at Lilbourne, Northamptonshire

A few years ago, pre lockdown, I took the opportunity to turn off the M4 and track down an astonishing mediaeval sheela na gig sculpture...

A detailed look at two magnificent Norman motte-and-bailey castles in Essex: Great Canfield and Pleshey. Both are well worth the trip to see

A detailed look at the magnificent tomb of Sir Randal and Lady Eleanor Brereton at Malpas, Cheshire. A fine example of Chellaston work.

Hollow Places is a fascinating examination of how legends grow through time and yet have a basis in truth. A stunning examination of the leg

Bolingbroke Castle is a special castle with a history fundamentally linked to the history of England. Built on an hexagonal plan, the castle

St Nicholas Church in Castle Hedingham, Essex contains a rich collection of Norman, mediaeval and Tudor work. Of particular interest is a ra

Learn about the fabulous mediaeval graffiti at Anstey in Hertfordshire, including shields, helmets, writing and more.

The church of St Mary’s at Great Canfield in the county of Essex is remarkable. While from the outside its windows and decoration give...