How to Read a Village

What constitutes a village? What is the significance of the maypole? What was the true purpose of a village green? What is a moot hall? What is the origin of lich-gates? What was the real role of a yeoman? Why have whole villages disappeared over the centuries? This book reveals the answers and provides all the tools a village detective will need. Village history, points out the author, is embedded in the village landscape. Arranged thematically, chapters cover ancient villages; the village green (including maypoles, pubs, and ponds); the village church; cottages and farmsteads; architecture (including lock-ups and market crosses); village casualties; fishing villages; and villages of the modern era. Drawing on dozens of real villages as examples, the author matches up popular images and perceptions with the realities of old village life and history. Illustrating his theories with photographs, maps, and drawings, he shows how amateur enthusiasts can pursue local village history with fascinating results.