Title Thumbnail

The English Country House Explained

Trevor Yorke

9781846748325
128 pages
Countryside Books
Overview
Most of England’s country houses are packed with masterpieces of art and antiques. They also have vast landscaped gardens, often with lakes and fountains. Recent television series and films (such as Downton Abbey and Gosford Park) have spurred on the public’s interest in these grand and glamorous houses which reflect all the splendour of England’s glory years. Using original colour drawings, diagrams and photographs, Trevor Yorke takes the reader on a careful tour of the country house and describes its features, exterior and interior, upstairs and downstairs. He looks at the different periods of large country houses from the mid 1500s up to 1914, explaining the changing architectural styles and the tastes of those who had them built. He describes the rooms within the main house and their role over the centuries. There is a glossary of architectural terms and a quick reference time chart, listing country house architects and the notable buildings they designed, with drawings of the period details that help to date the houses.
Author Bio

Trevor Yorke is a full-time artist and designer. His other books in this series include The Victorian House Explained, The Edwardian House Explained, The 1930s House Explained. He is also the author of British Architectural StylesAn Easy Reference Guide.