John's family are saddened to announce his sudden death on 8th February. After his family, his passion for castles and historic monuments, not forgetting his love of Labradors, was evident to all who knew him, and he enjoyed sharing his extensive knowledge with others.

Has any historian etc tried to follow up an image of someone where under "Likenesses " in Oxforddnb an image is to be found in @NPGLondon but nothing is to be found there. 3 image searches for past figures in castle studies have drawn a blank

Tomorrow is the Feast Day of that great monk, St Aelred of Rievaulx, the latter being the finest of all ruined abbeys #aelred #Rievaulx

Having had 2 post-Christmas journals already, I need to lock myself away as two more came today and the RAI's latest due. Ant. Jnl has trenchant review of the late Anne Sutton's book re Richard III @SPMA @SocAntiquaries @royalarchinst @rsociety_iii

Back from Christmas with family in Worsley area, Gr Manchester. Will miss the water for decent cuppa. Two jnls awaiting my return @CambriansArch @MonAnts

Just arrived this morning. Incredible value for us members of the Pipe Roll Society

Well done, BBC Radio 3 this afternoon. The two greats of the folk scene, Maddy Prior and Katherine Tickell. First heard of Steeleye Span when digging Henry VIII's Palace at Greenwich with Phil Dixon in 1972 #steeleyespan

Received in the post today, yet another fine book from the truly amazing Shaun Tyas. How does this basically one man band publish so many excellent architectural and historical studies? @Castle_Studies

Good to see Llandaff Cathedral featuring as a question on tonight's Mastermind @LlandaffCath

C Good to see this out today, my first as new Editor, though had never planned to take on that role!! @Castle_Studies

A bit of loft sorting and rediscovered my 1970s Olivetti Dora portable typewriter on which I typed my first castles etc Bibliography, 2 fingers, with Tippex and all, one packet unopened!

This tablet and the window glass opposite in Rhossili church commemorate this tragic event @ChurchMonuments

Another superb autumn day for the FSAs in Gower, covering 4 churches. Very fine new lych gates at Llangennith, and also medieval effigy. View of Worm's Head, Rhossili @SocAntiquaries @ChurchMonuments

FSAs also visited St Andrew Church, Penrice with some interesting monuments, incl Capt Sir Christopher Cole RN's grave @ChurchMonuments

Day 2 of FSAs in Gower, with prehistoric and medieval monuments, plus Penrice House and gardens @SocAntiquaries

Not part of the FSA Gower trip, but got access to Oxwich Church with its fine effigies of c. 1400 @ChurchMonuments