England's Thousand Best Houses

England's houses are a treasure trove of riches and a unique, living record of the nation's history. Simon Jenkins' magnificent guide selects the finest palaces, mansions, halls, castles and cottages throughout the land, from the stately to the humble, in a glorious celebration of English life. Jenkins has travelled throughout England from Cornwall to Cumbria, to choose its most impressive, interesting and unusual houses. Not only does he include a full, rich selection of its great and famous houses and estates; he also presents an eclectic mix from the many thousands of towers, castles, halls and abbeys, cottages, private homes - even schools and prisons - of the country. From Blenheim Palace to Milton's Cottage, from Chatsworth to John Lennon's childhood home, from Spencer House to a tiny hop-pickers' shack in Kent, every architectural style and period is included, providing a setting for almost every kind of English life. Jenkins' only criteria are interest, distinction and that the property should be open to the public...