C O N T E X T 1 7 4 : D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 9 FromA History of Architecture in All Countries by James Fergusson (1893) It has already been shown that the pointed arch with radiating voussoirs was used by the Assyrians as early as the time of Sargon in the 8th century BC, and by the Ethiopians as early as that of Tirhakah. The Etrurians and Pelasgi used the form probably 12 centuries before the Christian era, but constructed it with horizontal courses. To come nearer, however, to our own time, the Saracens certainly adopted it at Cairo in the first century of the Hegira, and employed it generally if not universally, and never apparently used a round arch after the erection of the mosque of Ebn Tulûn, AD 879. The Romanesque traditions, however, prevented the Christians from adopting it in Europe till forced to do it from constructive necessities; and the mode of its introduction into the early churches in Provence renders them singularly important in enabling us to arrive at a correct solution of this much mooted question. It is hardly worth while discussing whether the form was borrowed from the East, where it had been used so long before it was known— or at least before we are aware of its being known—in Europe. It may be that the Pelasgic Greeks left examples of it in Provence, or that persons trading to the Levant from Marseilles became familiar with its uses; or it may be, though very unlikely, that it was really re-invented for the purposes to which it was applied. SPAB Magazine An editorial by Matthew Slocombe in the recent SPAB Magazine (Autumn 2022) welcomed the government’s approach to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, published in May, but great changes have happened to the political landscape since, and ‘levelling up’ now seems to be a more remote prospect. At the time of writing, it remains to be seen whether the bill’s clauses aimed at tightening loopholes relating to the enforcement of urgent works and listing will see the light of day. It is notable that the SPAB now appears to be extending its reach somewhat beyond around 1720, for example, with an article about dilapidated Victorian drinking fountains and the repair of small 19th-century Scottish villas. One must assume that this is to reflect or promote the adoption of the society’s repair philosophy. Historic England Research Historic England Research magazines are available online. Issue 19 was a climate change special of 56 pages. Issue 20, a further special issue, running to about 90 pages, dealt with well-being and heritage. It may be of particular interest to readers in the light of the previous issue of Context (173, September 2022), which dealt with diversity and inclusion. Also worth interrogating is Historic England’s online research reports. These can be searched by keyword, and geographically – a map shows those place-based project reports published after 2006. This resource may prove useful when looking up individual buildings and sites, or thematic studies and typologies such as, for example, the history, evolution and protection of police stations or interwar public houses, although these require filtering from a welter of detailed archaeological reports. There is much material to prompt both casual professional interest and to support more specific research and evaluation. This would certainly contribute towards readers’ CPD. Bob Kindred MBE RESEARCH Discovery, Innovation and Science in the Historic Environment ISSUE 19 . CLIMATE CHANGE SPECIAL 2021 RESEARCH Discovery, Innovation and Science in the Historic Environment ISSUE 20 . WELLBEING AND HERITAGE SPECIAL 2022
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