Oxfordshire Houses : An Introduction to Local Traditions

'Are there any cruck houses in Oxfordshire?'
'Which are the great medieval houses of the county?'
'What were farm labourers' cottages like a hundred years ago?'
If you've asked yourself questions like these, you'll probably find this book fascinating reading. It traces the history of Oxfordshire's houses from great medieval ruins like Minster Lovell Hall to the cottages and terraces of the late nineteenth century, when local styles and building materials were largely ousted by the mass production of the modern era. The book takes individual houses as interesting examples from each period, emphasizing the variety of building traditions in different parts of the county which range from Cotswold stone in the west, red ironstone towards Banbury and a delightful mixture of timber, brick and flint in the south and east. But, above all, this is the story of Oxfordshire people as seen through the homes they have left behind - their way of life, their achievements and their aspirations.
Oxfordshire Houses is lavishly illustrated with old and new photographs, plans and drawings, and is aimed particularly at those who wish to understand and appreciate better the buildings of the county of Oxfordshire which are so much a part of their everyday lives.

John Pilling in 1985 was appointed Assistant Librarian at Chelmsford Library with special responsibilities for Local Studies. He is Senior Librarian in the Vale Area of the county.