Synopses & Reviews
This sumptuously illustrated history is the most authoritative account of the castles, royal residences and historic houses of Britain and Ireland ever published for the general reader. It combines an in-depth guide to the most important buildings with a wealth of entertaining stories and intriguing facts about Britain's glorious architectural past and heritage. Discover the truth about Edward II's imprisonment in Berkeley Castle; the glories of Elizabeth I's summer progress around the country from Burghley to Longleat; the extravagance of George IV's grand designs at Brighton and Windsor; and the royal residences, including Balmoral and Osborne House, built by Victoria and Albert. More than 500 photographs and specially commissioned maps, plans and drawings bring the past vividly to life, demonstrating Britain's unequaled legacy of historic buildings and national treasures. Fact boxes focus on developments in architecture and on the great architects from Edward I's castle-builder Master James of St George's to Wren, Adam, Wyatt and Lutyens. Location maps and an A-Z gazetteer make it easy to find and visit every property mentioned. As well as the buildings themselves, aristocratic houses served as magnets for the greatest artists and sculptors at Castle Howard, Holkham Hall, Stowe House, Alnwick Castle and Castell Coch, to name but a few. Buildings designed by architects such as Vanbrugh, Hawksmoor and Colen Campbell stand in gardens and parklands designed by William Kent and 'Capability' Brown, marking the high point of the British country house. George IV and Queen Victoria, at Windsor, Brighton, and Buckingham Palace, also brought royal buildings to the forefront of contemporaryarchitecture. In more recent times, many houses have passed from private hands into those of the National Trust and of English Heritage and other government organizations to find a new status as widely cherished repositories of British achievement in art and architecture. Stunningly illustrated, this expert and authoritative reference book will absorb, entertain and fascinate every reader interested in discovering more about the historic buildings of an ancient realm.