Small period houses have evolved from a medieval tradition, through the formality of Georgian and Victorian to the distinctive style of the 1930s. This beautiful book explains the changes in building materials, the effect of social and economic constraints and foreign influences, and celebrates the fascinating heritage of the English period home. Examples taken from over twenty English counties, identifying different styles and materials and showing the relationship between the house, it's land and the wider urban space. · A guide to looking at your own period house, identifying and dating original elements and later changes, with advice on sources for historical research. · Looking at how gardens have developed and using the seminal influence of large gardens to design the space around a small period property. · An explanation of listed building status, conservation areas and period house buying. AUTHOR: Amanda Laws has owned and restored a succession of period houses since 1987. From 1988 she taught in Higher Education and in 2000 left full-time teaching to pursue her writing. She is a member of The Victorian Society, The Georgian Group and the 20th Century Society. 300 colour photos