England's Villages: An Extraordinary Journey Through Time

by Dr Ben Robinson

THE STUNNING NEW BOOK FROM THE HOST OF BBC 2'S VILLAGES BY THE SEA England's villages have survived, developed, and thrived over hundreds of years. But what makes a village and how has that changed over time? Take a charming and unexpected journey through the quirks of England's villages throughout the ages in the excellent company of Dr Ben Robinson, expert archaeologist. Join him in visiting villages from prehistoric, to Roman, to medieval times, all the way through to today's modern, urban villages. Discover how landowners, governments and communities have shaped villages, why village greens, village pubs and village halls exist, and the real meaning behind names like Bunny, Yelling, Lover, Great Snoring and Slaughter. A compelling study of archaeology, history and architecture, England's Villages is a thoughtful, enlightening and informative look at our oldest homes, uncovering and revealing the extraordinary heritage of the places that surround us.

Genres: Nonfiction

432 pages, Paperback

Published June 23, 2022

Reviews

[maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

a dictionary of english villages! rich in history, commentary on daily life and interesting insights into the future of these lovely parts of English heritage. learned a lot about the development of villages with the backdrop of different historical periods and events. a beautiful book, inside and out!

[Kizzia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so well written and filled to the brim with interesting facts that once I’d finished listening to the audio book I went and found myself a copy of the paper back to make it easier to re-read and take notes. This is not something I normally do (although this is the second audiobook in a row this year, clearly I’m picking them extra well) so that should tell you just how much I found of value in the pages and how much I enjoyed it.

The blurb really doesn’t do justice to just how much information is packed into the 416 pages/12 hours and certainly doesn’t show how well and clearly written it is. Ben Robinson’s ability to talk in detail about the archaeology without making it incomprehensible to anyone who hasn’t studied the subject and to ensure he isn’t speaking down to his audience is unparalleled. His deft handling of the chronology and the sheer variety of information that villages can give us was a joy to read and I found some the later chapters about new villages, modern housing issues, climate change and the political, economical, and cultural issues these engenger exemplary.

My only complaint, purely about the audiobook, is that the narrator speaks like a childrens tv presenter on acid and although he did become more bearable the further through the book I got it still grated on my nerves. It did not stop me listening until the very end, which is another indication of how good the book is.

[Viki Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book, not a full read and full of interesting quirks about the historical and social life through the ages of englands villages

[Sean Anter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting historical read