Crinkle-Crankle Walls

Another feature of the heritage trail in the village of Wheathampstead, we arrive at the Crinkle-Crankle Walls. They date from the early 19th century. I will quote from the excellent brochure published in the village of the various places of interest: " There are several reasons why the walls were constructed in this way. The shape made it possible to make them higher while still being only two bricks (nine inches) thick, since the curving lines gave strength to the structure, allowing the walls to stand without buttresses and to expand without cracking in the sun. The alcoves were used for growing and ripening fruit, a process often helped by circulating warm air from a stove through vents in the brickwork. The Old Rectory itself conceals a 16th century timber framed building within its 19th century brick exterior." It's a day of high winds here today. When they moderate I will go for a bike ride in the pleasant autumn sun.