Building Britannia: A History of Britain in Twenty-Five Buildings

Building Britannia is a history of Britain told through the stories of twenty-five notable structures, from the Iron Age fortification of Maiden Castle in Dorset to the Gherkin. It explores how a growing sense of British nationhood was expressed through architecture and how these structures were used by later generations to signpost, mythologize, or remake British history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Building Britannia is a captivating journey through the history of Britain, presented through the stories of twenty-five remarkable structures. Spanning from the Iron Age fortification of Maiden Castle in Dorset to the iconic Gherkin, this ambitious history weaves together a tapestry of social, political, and economic change. It goes beyond mere architectural observations, delving into the intricate stories behind each structure, revealing their beauty, functionality, and the rich narratives they hold.

Author Steven Parissien skillfully weaves together a national narrative, tracing how a growing sense of British nationhood was expressed through the country's architecture. He explores how these buildings were used by subsequent generations to shape, mythologize, or redefine British history. Alongside iconic choices such as the Roman baths at Aquae Sulis, the early Gothic splendor of Lincoln Cathedral, and the Tudor gem of Little Moreton Hall, Parissien presents unexpected inclusions that offer a fresh perspective on less familiar areas of social history. These include The Britons Protection, a Regency pub nestled in the heart of Manchester city center, and the Edwardian Baroque Electric Cinema in Notting Hill, one of the country's oldest working cinemas.

Building Britannia not only identifies the relevance of these iconic structures to the unfolding of the national story but also finds fascination and meaning in the everyday and the overlooked. It invites readers to appreciate the architectural nuances and historical significance of structures that may be overlooked or undervalued. Through its meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Building Britannia offers a profound exploration of the built environment as a lens through which to understand the rich tapestry of British history.

Weight: 1126g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801108751