oldtow.

Bringing the world's historic quarters to life.

Editorial team

oldtow.com editorial team

oldtow.com is run by a standing editorial team. Each author has their own beats and voice — here's who is responsible for what.

Byron Whitcomb

Preservation Analyst

Covers: Architecture & Preservation · Cultural History

Holds degrees in structural engineering and architectural history, specializing in medieval and early modern urban development. He evaluates how historic structures are maintained, focusing on building materials, zoning laws, and the physical evolution of old towns.

Matilda Briscoe

Traditional Gastronomy Investigator

Covers: Culinary Heritage

A former chef and food historian who tracks down the origins of regional dishes and evaluates the authenticity of historic town markets. She separates genuine culinary traditions from modern tourist adaptations by tracing local supply chains.

Chester Alden

Route Strategist

Covers: Historic Itineraries

A cartographer and urban hiker who maps out the most efficient and historically coherent ways to navigate labyrinthine old towns. He prioritizes crowd avoidance, topographical logic, and maximizing time in high-density heritage zones.

Ruth Endicott

Heritage Hospitality Auditor

Covers: Heritage Lodging

An experienced hospitality auditor specializing in historic properties and adaptive reuse. She assesses whether centuries-old inns and converted palaces offer genuine heritage experiences or just overpriced antique veneers.