How to Read a Village

by Richard Muir

What constitutes a village? What is the significance of the maypole? What was the true purpose of a village green? What is a moot hall? What is the origin of lich-gates? What was the real role of a yeoman? Why have whole villages disappeared over the centuries? This book reveals the answers and provides all the tools a village detective will need. Village history, points out the author, is embedded in the village landscape. Arranged thematically, chapters cover ancient villages; the village green (including maypoles, pubs, and ponds); the village church; cottages and farmsteads; architecture (including lock-ups and market crosses); village casualties; fishing villages; and villages of the modern era. Drawing on dozens of real villages as examples, the author matches up popular images and perceptions with the realities of old village life and history. Illustrating his theories with photographs, maps, and drawings, he shows how amateur enthusiasts can pursue local village history with fascinating results.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 27, 2007

About the author

Richard Muir is Senior Lecturer in Geography in the University College of Ripon and York St John. He is one of Britain's most widely published and respected landscape historians. Two of his bestselling books on British landscape have won the Yorkshire Arts Literary Prize.

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book fascinating for the light it shed on the history and development of British villages. I also appreciated the wide-ranging nature of the examples; the author includes photographs and descriptions of various historical features from villages across Britain, instead of concentrating only on England or the more accessible parts of Wales.

It loses a star for two reasons. The first is the generous scattering of italicized words throughout the text, which I found distracting, irritating and unnecessary. For example, "Journals and old newspapers, held in bound volumes or on microfilm should be available in the reference library..."etc, etc.

The second is the slightly patronising way of writing, particularly in the introduction. At times, the way Muir refers to 'villagers' sounds more appropriate to a travel guide of the 1930s than a book published in 2007. Apparently, villagers feel marginalized by incomers who have 'high levels of education' - Muir obviously assumes that villagers themselves will not be well educated. Elderly villagers are 'old'uns', while those Muir regards as being on his own intellectual level are 'chaps'. I suspect Muir imagines that all villagers are straw-chewing, cap-wearing yokels. Still, it's very kind of him to explain our village history to us in a way we can understand. (I do be vair 'mazed at Squoire's learning, so I be!)

These quibbles apart, this book will be of interest to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of village history and development and particularly for anyone wishing to research the history of their own village.

[I Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

A useful book for anyone interested in investigating the history of a village or simply learning of British village history through reading a book. I was impressed that it spanned the whole nation which must make it relevant to anyone reading.

I liked the tone of the author - he was friendly, encouraging and instilled confidence. Despite being extensively qualified himself, he didn't make the reader feel any less qualified to take up the task.

No part was boring - I remained engaged the whole way through.