A Short History of British Architecture

The untold story of why our country looks like it does, from the bestselling champion of national heritage, Simon Jenkins.

The story of Britain is revealed through its buildings, and yet the language of architecture is a mystery to all but a few. In this enlightening history, spanning castles and cathedrals to factories and railway stations, Jenkins translates the hidden narratives infused in the facades we walk past every day.

Britain's history has been formed by its politics, religion, and society, and these influences can be seen in the architectural styles that have shaped its landscape. From pre-Roman and the Middle Ages, to the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution, Classical and Gothic styles surged and retreated from favour, only to then be challenged by a new player—Modernism, a style that reflected the stunning technological advances of the second half of the twentieth century.

In this narrative history, Simon Jenkins—the bestselling champion of our national heritage—introduces us to the singular, eccentric, and sometimes rather ordinary characters who shaped Britain. Jenkins teaches readers to see the world anew, demystifying the elitist language of architecture so that we can all appreciate the buildings around us.