England's Lost Houses

From the Achives of Country Life

Of all the photographs in Country Life's extensive archive, none are more poignant or intriguing than the images of houses that have been lost. For the first time, these have been gather together to provide a powerful impression of the richness and variety of the English country house and of the treasures that were destroyed through demolition or fire in the twentieth century.

Country Life's photgraphs

Giles Worsley's incisive text makes this book more than just an elegy for lost glories. By studying the circumstances behind some one hundred houses that have gone, he is able to explain why so many were destroyed in the last century. He puts demolition of country houses in its historical context, as many landowners were driven by economic and political changes to sell their homes. And in every decade, chance played its part, as fire wreaked its devestation. Not all burnt houses were completely destroyed though, some were lovingly restored, often with the help of Country Life's photgraphs. But while a significant number of houses were lost, far more survived, most of which are still in private ownership today.

Town and Country Planning Act

By the 1960s, houses began to be saved assisted by the passing of the 1968 Town and Country Planning Act. Today it is legally impossible to demolish a country house of any significance.

England's Lost House

England's Lost Houses: from the Achives of Country Life by Giles Worsley
Aurum Press
ISBN: 1854108204

More information

Architecture Main Page