Staffordshire

This expanded and updated guide to the architecture of Staffordshire completes the revised Buildings of England series. The county’s highlights include the cathedral city of Lichfield, the surprisingly little-known county town of Stafford, and outstanding country houses from the Tudor, Stuart and Georgian centuries, such as Wootton Lodge, Weston Park, and Shugborough Hall with its internationally important garden buildings. A rich and distinctive industrial history is reflected in the pottery buildings of Stoke-on-Trent and the breweries of Burton-upon-Trent. Among the smaller towns, Leek was the centre of a thriving Arts and Crafts community. Staffordshire’s best timber-framed houses rival those of Cheshire, and its building stones reflect the varied geology of a landscape that extends to the wild country of the Peak District and Cannock Chase. The county was also a stronghold of the Gothic Revival, represented by such masterpieces as Pugin’s St Giles, Cheadle and Bodley & Garner’s memorial church at Hoar Cross.

Each city, town or village is treated in a detailed gazetteer. A general introduction provides a historical and artistic overview. Also included are plentiful maps and plans, over 120 new colour photographs, full indexes and an illustrated glossary. The result is both an indispensable reference work and an invaluable guide.

Christopher Wakeling was a former chair of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain. He lived in Staffordshire for more than forty-five years, for many of which he taught at Keele University.