Britain's Living History

Abbeys of the middle ages remain some of the most wonderful of religious buildings. They were built with a firm sense of devotion, and with no expense spared, by communities which had a faith based upon venerable respect for the power and authority of the Church. The grace and majesty of their construction, and the beautiful rural settings of so many, make them a perfect destination for visitors throughout the year. Trevor Yorke, using diagrams, photographs and illustrations, explains the history of these buildings and describes how they were used in the centuries prior to the great Dissolution by Henry VIII in 1536, which left most of them in ruins.

The local church is a familiar landmark in every village, town and city. The story of its past is the story of the people, down the centuries, who considered the church to be the centre of their community. But how many people actually understand the reason it was built in a particular place, how it was constructed and why it was decorated in such a style? In this informative guide, Trevor Yorke places the period styles of church fabric and decoration into an easy-to-read form that is packed with photographs, drawings and diagrams. His simple but graphic approach will be welcomed by everyone who appreciates that a visit to a church is also a brief journey through time itself. Trevor Yorke's published books include 'The English Abbey Explained', 'Georgian & Regency Houses Explained' and 'British Architectural Styles'.

The Tudor period was dominated by King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. The houses still standing from that time are typified by black and white timber framed buildings and rambling rows of quaint cottages around a village green. This book explains the rich range of domestic houses built during the era. There are five separate sections, which deal with social change; structure and materials; styles and dating details; interiors; and gardens and landscapes. There is also a quick reference guide to identify the use of Tudor styles in more recent times. This is an invaluable, well illustrated guide for anyone interested in the history of Britain's domestic architecture.