Now in paperback, this book introduces an important and largely neglected subject and considers conservation methods in a global context. It traces the history of some of the great floors of Europe from the fourth century B.C. and outlines the development of mosaic, tiles, marble and parquetry floors in secular buildings. The early Christian pavements in basilicas, temples and cathedrals, the creation of medieval tiles, ledger stones and monumental brasses, their destruction by iconoclasts and re-creation during the Gothic Revival, are also discussed.

Leading authorities, archaeologists, architects and archivists consider the latest methods of recording and repairing historic floors, including those of cathedrals, country houses, the monumental tiled pavements of the Palace of Westminster and other public buildings. Management policies to protect outstanding floors in over-visited sites are considered and historic features particularly at risk, are identified. Urgent action is recommended to contain the damage caused by the dramatic increase in tourism throughout Europe.

The only definitive guide to historic floors published in association with ICOMOS UK (International Council on Monuments and Sites)
Gives you the tools to identify and address problems with historic floors whatever the situation
Draws on the knowledge of a range of experts who have worked all over the world

a fine achievement, and, as one would expect of anything with Jane Fawcett's name on it, the production quality is first class and "no-nonsense"'.

ASCHB Newsletter

or have to care for historic floors.'

Nadfas Church Recorders Newsletter

'This estimable publication, unusually elegantly written by Fawcett herself and by learned and experienced contributors...opens a whole new area of interest which can be explored by those whose only brush with conservation (or, indeed, ancient floors)'

Antique Interiors International

'As a work of academic standing Historic Floors is a fine achievement, and, as one would expect of anything with Jane Fawcett's name on it, the production quality is first class and "no-nonsense"'.

ASCHB Newsletter

tanding Historic Floors is a fine achievement, and, as one would expect of anything with Jane Fawcett's name on it, the production quality is first class and "no-nonsense"'.

ASCHB Newsletter

s name on it, the production quality is first class and "no-nonsense"'.

ASCHB Newsletter

Reviews of the Hardback Edition

'Historic Floors is an excellent reference.....the book is so well put together that scholars of architecture history as well as those looking at the application of mathematical ideas in architecture will find it particularly useful. The illustrations alone will make this hard to surpass as a sourcebook.' Nexus Network Journal

"Historic Floors will henceforward be an invaluable reference, and, it is to be hoped, a stimulus to the study and care of floors." Simon Jervis, The Furniture History Society Newsletter, August 2000

'This comprehensive book charts the history of floors and their materials from the fourth century BC, through the marble floors of the basilicas and cathedrals, the development of medieval tiles, the great marble floors of England and on to the impact of tourism on flooring.'

Historic House

'The conservation community has eagerly awaited the publication of this excellent and much-heralded book. Jane Fawcett's book goes a long way towards redressing the balance of interest and concern in matters affecting the conservation of historic floors.'

English Heritage Conservation Bulletin

'Here is a book that has an important position in written works on conservation to the fabric of historic buildings. With this detailed research and well-illustrated work, Jane Fawcett has professionally and definitively drawn our thoughts to earth, or rather the creative and diverse manners in which it has been covered and decorated.'

UKIC's Conservation News

'This book serves as an introduction to a largely neglected but important subject.'

Journal of Architectural Conservation

'An enormously valuable book, both as a reference and perhaps just as importantly as an enjoyable historical read.'

EASA Newsletter

'This epic work, which describes in exhaustive detail floors of all types, timber, tiled, beaten earth and even scagliola - will be the standard book on the subject.'

The Victorian

'Jane Fawcett's book goes a long way towards redressing the balance of interest and concern in matters affecting the conservation of historic floors.'

Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings News

'Jane Fawcett and her associates have laid down an excellent foundation and provided many pointers for future studies of this subject.'

The Georgian Group

'It is a celebration of the beauty of floor materials and also an indictment of our sorry neglect of these much abused surfaces...this book should find a place on the bookshelves of all who are interested in or have to care for historic floors.'

Nadfas Church Recorders Newsletter

'This estimable publication, unusually elegantly written by Fawcett herself and by learned and experienced contributors...opens a whole new area of interest which can be explored by those whose only brush with conservation (or, indeed, ancient floors)'

Antique Interiors International

'As a work of academic standing Historic Floors is a fine achievement, and, as one would expect of anything with Jane Fawcett's name on it, the production quality is first class and "no-nonsense"'.

ASCHB Newsletter

Leading authorities, archaeologists, architects and archivists consider the latest methods of recording and repairing historic floors, including those of cathedrals, country houses, the monumental tiled pavements of the Palace of Westminster and other public buildings. Management policies to protect outstanding floors in over-visited sites are considered and historic features particularly at risk, are identified. Urgent action is recommended to contain the damage caused by the dramatic increase in tourism throughout Europe. The only definitive guide to historic floors published in association with ICOMOS UK (International Council on Monuments and Sites) Gives you the tools to identify and address problems with historic floors whatever the situation Draws on the knowledge of a range of experts who have worked all over the world

Now in paperback, this book introduces an important and largely neglected subject and considers conservation methods in a global context. It traces the history of some of the great floors of Europe from the fourth century B.C. and outlines the development of mosaic, tiles, marble and parquetry floors in secular buildings. The early Christian pavements in basilicas, temples and cathedrals, the creation of medieval tiles, ledger stones and monumental brasses, their destruction by iconoclasts and re-creation during the Gothic Revival, are also discussed.

Leading authorities, archaeologists, architects and archivists consider the latest methods of recording and repairing historic floors, including those of cathedrals, country houses, the monumental tiled pavements of the Palace of Westminster and other public buildings. Management policies to protect outstanding floors in over-visited sites are considered and historic features particularly at risk, are identified. Urgent action is recommended to contain the damage caused by the dramatic increase in tourism throughout Europe.

The only definitive guide to historic floors published in association with ICOMOS UK (International Council on Monuments and Sites)

Gives you the tools to identify and address problems with historic floors whatever the situation

Draws on the knowledge of a range of experts who have worked all over the world

Jane Fawcett and Sir Nikolaus Pevsner directed the Victorian Society; they were credited with Saving a Century. Jane was awarded the MBE and Hon FRIBA for services to conservation. She was Academic Tutor and lecturer to the Building Conservation Graduate Course at the Architectural Association and the Secretary and Committee member of the International Council on Monuments and Sites UK. She is author and editor of The Future of the Past; Seven Victorian Architects; The Village in History; Cathedral Floor Damage Surveys, and Save the City.

Decorated Pavements and Floor Monuments in European Cathedrals and Churches; The archaeology of church and cathedral floors; Archaeological research: Canterbury Cathedral nave floor; Ledger Stones. Documentary sources: York Minster; The surveyors approach to recording floors; Photographic recording of floor surfaces and components; The retrieval of damaged inscriptions through remote sensing techniques; The preservation of the records of historic floors; Records and computerization; Use and abuse: management and good practice in cathedrals and greater churches; Secular Buildings: tile, mosaics, marble pavements, parquetry floors and carpets; Historic floors at risk; Encaustic pavements; The open house - the management of visitors. Appendix: Cathedral floor studies - historic features and areas at risk. Glossary, Reading list. Index.