Alexandra Smith
AuthorRock-Cut Architecture of the Ancient World
Rock-cut architecture refers to structures such as dwellings, tombs and temples, which have been carved out of rock by ancient civilisations – sometimes from a single, monolithic piece of material.
Haunting Stone Steps Lead to the Lost Location of Ireby Grange
This enchanting pillared staircase once led to Ireby Grange, a grand three-storey mansion that was destroyed by fire in 1957, and subsequently became an abandoned ruin prior to being demolished.
Ancient Rock-Cut Tombs from Italy to the Middle East
Rock-cut tombs are an impressive form of rock-cut architecture which many ancient civilisations built for burying prestigious and wealthy individuals. Explore some of the world’s finest here!
The Lake District’s Mysterious Cottage in the Rock
On an isolated, blustery hill known as ‘Pepperpot Hill’ in the Lake District, a chimney, complete with flue, fireplace and stone surround has been built into the rock outcrop of an old quarry near Torpenhow.
Corpse Roads: Exploring Eerie Medieval Burial Paths and Coffin Lines
Corpse roads are routes that once carried the dead from their old residences to the graveyards in which they were to be buried. Even today, these eerie paths are feared by those who believe they are still used by wraiths and wandering spirits.
Conceptual Images of the Proposed Bloomingdale Trail Linear Urban Park in Chicago
These conceptual images show the proposed Bloomingdale Trail, an exciting new linear urban park in Chicago built along the route of the abandoned Bloomingdale Line – a former railway featured previously on Urban Ghosts.
The Forgotten Ruins of ‘The Ancient Mariner’ Pub
(Images: Alexandra Smith, all rights reserved) The ruins pictured are those of The Ancient Mariner pub in Workington, Cumbria, which was extensively damaged in 2003 after a gas leak caused a massive explosion followed by a fierce blaze. Since the 1970s, the pub had been given the dubious nickname ‘Honky Tonk’ and was allegedly popular … Continue Reading
A Brief Introduction to Adaptive Reuse – The Practice of Repurposing Abandoned Structures
Adaptive reuse allows culturally and historically important buildings to be redeveloped and repurposed instead of demolished. This article offers a brief overview of the practice, with some diverse examples.
A Brief Introduction to Organic Architecture
Organic architecture is a philosophy that considers a building to be like an organism, in that it is an organised body of fixtures, fittings and furniture that functions as a whole. Learn more in our brief introduction!
Façadism: The Practice of Constructing Modern Buildings Behind Historic Frontages
Façadism is the practice of maintaining the front walls of an historical building while demolishing its internal structure, roof and less notable external walls to make room for a newer building that satisfies modern demands.
Million Donkey Hotel: Medieval Ruins Repurposed as Unique Lodgings
Set in the side of a castle-topped hill, The Million Donkey Hotel is the puzzling name given to a collection of re-purposed structures in the older part of Prata Sannita, Italy.
Freighthopping Hobos: Free – and Illegal – Transportation for Gentlemen of the Rails
For almost two centuries, hobos have been been attempting to avoid ‘greasing the tracks’ (which is to get ran over by a train) while hopping freight trains to get from one town to the next.
Francis Bannerman’s Abandoned Island Arsenal
In 1900, a military surplus dealer called Francis Bannerman VI bought Pollopel Island in the Hudson River and built Bannerman’s Castle – now abandoned – to house his weapons collection.
Steampunk Nerf Blasters: Modifying Toy Guns into Retro-Futuristic Weapons
This modded foam dart blaster may look like a decorated toy gun to the untrained eye. But the sophisticated toy is an appropriate subject for steampunk modification.
‘These Plants Can Kill’: Hazardous Horticulture at The Poison Garden
Science meets myth and legend in The Poison Garden, where stories are told of certain plants that are so deadly that they need a special licence to live there at all.
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