The Life of the British Home An Architectural History

Unlocking the history of the British home, this book reveals how its layout has evolved from the Stone Age to the present day. From modest ancient dwellings and medieval merchants' houses to imposing stately mansions and modern urban estates, the book explores the forces that have shaped these homes. Each chapter brings these ideas to life by focusing on buildings that are accessible and open to the public. Featured homes include: the Tudor mansions of Cowdray and Burghley House; and the grand Georgian terraces of London, Bath and Brighton.

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1 Sticks and Stones – The Ancient Abode from the Stone Age to Roman Invasion

2 Roman Homes and the Newfangled Rectangle – Roman Britain ad 43–410

3 Wooden Walls and Fledgling Halls – Anglo-Saxon and Viking Britain c ad 410–1066

4 The Hearth and Hall – Medieval Britain 1066–1485

5 Architecture and Avarice – The Tudors and Early Stuarts 1485–1649

6 The Compact Commodity – Civil War and Four Georges 1649–c 1830

7 Home Sweet Home? –The Industrial Age c 1830–1900

8 The ‘Modern’ Home – The 20th Century and Beyond

Bibliography

Index

Picture credits

Edward Denison is an author, photographer and independent consultant whose work concentrates on architecture and the built environment. He has worked independently for over 10 years with various international organisations on a wide range of projects, authored many books, and recently completed a funded PhD in Architectural History at The Bartlett, UCL.

Guang Yu Ren is an architect, researcher and independent consultant with over a decade of experience in work for international organisations in places as diverse as China, Africa and Europe.
Edward Denison and Guang Yu Ren's previous publications include: McMorran & Whitby (RIBA Publishing, 2009), Modernism in China (John Wiley & Sons, 2008); Building Shanghai (John Wiley & Sons, 2006); and Asmara – Africa's Secret Modernist City (Merrell, 2003).