Upon reflection, I feel that this predisposition to touch is something to do with the desire to bond, be part of...it's certainly not limited to historic human edifices. Thus, in my case, I was brought up in a village on the coast in Northumberland and my affinity is with my spiritual home and the sea. There's a small sea stack that must be clambered around when I'm in the vicinity, rock hopping is obligatory and the desire to have a bit of a plodge in the North Sea is always there regardless of season, weather etc. I'll certainly make it my business to touch the stonework at Delaval Hall, Walkworth Castle etc, but it is as nothing compared to the lure of the sea.