Treasures of Britain

This comprehensive guide covers Britain's best architecture, art and natural beauty, from castles and historic houses, abbeys and cathedrals to beautiful villages, museums and art collections. It includes an introduction to the history, literature, art and architecture of Britain.

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"Treasures of Britain" is a guide, written by experts, to the country's very best architecture, art and natural beauty. In over 2,000 alphabetical entries, a prestigious team of contributors describes the rich heritage of mediaeval churches and cathedrals, historic houses and castles, outstanding museums and galleries, stunning gardens and superb scenery. You will find Penelope Hobhouse's selection of the best gardens; Simon Jenkins's descriptions of the most spectacular and unusual churches; John Julius Norwich's guide to the most interesting country houses and castles; Colin Amery's explanation of the development of British architecture; and Giles Waterfield's views on the country's art. Authors from English Heritage, the National Trust, Historic Scotland and the Georgian Group describe the highlights of their areas, and guide you to the most interesting features of towns and cities. Each entry supplies the historical background to its subject: the architects, founders and famous residents, the provenance of art collections and the designers of gardens.
The authors draw attention to details that might otherwise have been missed: a unique carved church font; an exquisite painting in a country house; a well-hidden priest hole; an unparalleled collection of porcelain; or an extraordinary rose garden. The book is lavishly illustrated with over 2,000 photographs from renowned photographers, English Heritage, the National Trust and Historic Houses Association, and a clear map section guides you from one site to the next. This volume is a useful source of information on Britain's art, architecture and countryside. "Treasures of Britain" should inspire you to visit areas you've never been to before, and inform you about hidden masterpieces that may be just around the corner.