Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Cleaning and restoring the column of Marcus Aurelius in Rome


Although it is not perhaps as well known as that of Trajan the column of Marcus Aurelius in Rome is a marvellous survival of a celebration of the life and military achievements of a great second century Emperor. 

An online article and video about the current restoration project for the column from the Daily Telegraph website can be seen at Rome’s brutal imperial past brought back to life in restored 1,800-year-old column

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