The local church is a familiar landmark in every town, city and village. The story of its past is the story of the people for whom, down the centuries, it was the center of the community. But how many people actually understand the reason for it being built in a particular place, how it was constructed, or why it was decorated in such a style? Discovering the information can sometimes be difficult but this new book places the period styles of church fabric and decoration into an easy to read form that is packed with photographs, pictures and diagrams. Trevor Yorke's simple but graphic approach will be welcomed by all for whom a visit to a church is also a brief journey through time itself

In England the Arts and Crafts influence upon house building was far-reaching between 1870 and 1914. The result was some superb buildings by key architects like Norman Shaw and Voysey, but also a wide range of others ranging from simple terraces to the finest detached houses of the period. Using both his own illustrations and color photographs, Trevor Yorke shows the distinctive features and details of genuine Arts & Crafts homes. There are chapters on the furnishings and fittings, including examples of furniture, wallpapers fabrics, and distinctive details like door handles, hinges and light fittings. This is a perfect book for those who want to learn more about the simplicity and elegance of the Arts and Crafts Styles. Full Color.

Most of England s country houses are packed with masterpieces of art and antiques. They also have vast landscaped gardens, often with lakes and fountains. Recent television series and films (such as Downton Abbey and Gosford Park) have spurred on the public s interest in these grand and glamorous houses which reflect all the splendour of England s glory years. Using original colour drawings, diagrams and photographs, Trevor Yorke takes the reader on a careful tour of the country house and describes its features, exterior and interior, upstairs and downstairs. He looks at the different periods of large country houses from the mid 1500s up to 1914, explaining the changing architectural styles and the tastes of those who had them built. He describes the rooms within the main house and their role over the centuries. There is a glossary of architectural terms and a quick reference time chart, listing country house architects and the notable buildings they designed, with drawings of the period details that help to date the houses.

The Country House Explained

by Trevor Yorke

Published 17 April 2003
This is a step-by-step guide to the building and use of English country houses from Tudor times to the 20th Century.

The Victorian House Explained

by Trevor Yorke

Published 19 October 2005
From the majestic rows of gleaming white terraces in West London to the grid of red-brick houses in northern mill towns, the legacy of the Victorian era can be found in every area of the England. Using his own drawings, diagrams and photographs, author Trevor Yorke explains all aspects of the Victorian house and provides a definitive guide for those who are renovating, tracing the history of their own house, or are simply interested in this notable period of history. The book provides a background to different phases of design throughout the Victorian age from 1830 to 1902. Various areas are considered in detail, including: the layout and use of rooms; fixtures and fittings; sources of heat and lighting; domestic machinery such as kitchen ranges and laundry equipment; gardens and outbuildings. Also included is a quick reference time chart with drawings of the period details that can help date them and a glossary of the more unfamiliar architectural terms.

If you explore our churchyards and cemeteries today you will be astonished at how much you can discover, not only about the people who are buried there and their standing in the local community, but also about the history of this area.Trevor Yorke explains burial practices down the ages and details the development of the churchyard and the cemetery. He looks at the period styles of gravestones, tombs and memorials and the shapes and features that help to date them. Using a wide range of photographs and line illustrations, he examines the carvings and symbols that can be found and offers clues to their possible meanings.

British Architectural Styles

by Trevor Yorke

Published 22 April 2008
Here is a compact and useful guide, filled with detailed drawings, to help put a date to the variety of buildings we see around us. It covers an immense range of structures and styles from 1500 to 1950. In addition, there is a glossary of architectural terms and a historical time chart. The book will prove an invaluable companion whether visiting grand houses open to the public or just simply strolling around the streets of villages, towns and cities.

The Edwardian House Explained

by Trevor Yorke

Published 29 September 2006
The period from 1900 to 1914 the Edwardian Age is often thought of as a golden time of country house parties and endless summers. In fact, it was a time of great social change. Wealthy industrialists were building houses for their workers at Port Sunlight (Lever), Bournville (Cadbury) and New Earswick (Rowntree). The garden suburb was also being developed and seen as a way of clearing slum housing from big cities such as London and Liverpool. The Edwardians built a wide range of houses, from four-bedroomed semi-detached cottages to country houses and villas. Many had fashionable olde worlde facades and the latest technology inside. The Arts and Craft style was particularly popular, as was architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Uisng his own drawings, diagrams and photographs, author Trevor Yorke explains, in an easy-to-understand fashion, all aspects of the Edwardian house, and provides a definitive guide for those who are renovating, tracing the history of their own house or simply interested in houses of the period. The book is divided into three sections. The first outlines the story of the Edwardian Age and how its housing developed, with styles of the exterior being featured and discussed. The second looks at room layouts and fittings, and how they were used. The third gives details of places to visit, a glossary of terms and brief notes to help pinpoint the exact date of these buildings.

A Georgian or Regency house conjures up a distinct and much admired image. Elegance, refinement and beautiful proportions have made this period an inspiration for later architects and a popular choice for today's house buyer. Whether it is the grand, symmetrical facades embellished with classical motifs or elegant terraces arranged around spacious communal gardens, this easy to understand guide looks behind the distinctive public face of houses dating from 1714 to 1830. It explains how and why they were built, laid out and designed; how they appeared inside and who owned them. Using his own drawings, diagrams and photographs, author Trevor Yorke explains all aspects of the Georgian and Regency house and provides a comprehensive guide for those who are renovating, tracing the history of their own home or simply interested in houses of this notable period. The book is divided into three sections. The first outlines the history of the period, which affected how houses were planned and built, explains the development, structure and design, and describes the plans, materials and construction. The second steps inside and looks at the different rooms and their fittings, what they were used for and how they would have appeared. The final section contains a quick reference guide with notes on dating houses, suggestions for further reading, a glossary of unfamiliar terms and details of places to visit.

The 1930s House Explained

by Trevor Yorke

Published 2 November 2006
This is a guide to the style of houses built in the 1930s. Tradition continued to dominate the outside while inside art deco was all the rage. It contains many photographs and detailed drawings.

Narrowboats Explained

by Trevor Yorke

Published 7 May 2009
A comprehensive guide to narrowboats, their history and uses, which includes details of types, engines and fittings, decoration, hiring, buying and living on them. The book also has a brief history of the rise, decline and renaissance of English canals. With photographs, diagrams and drawings.

The English village conjures up an image of rural harmony and of our ancestors woven into the broader pageant of England's past. But existing village histories are often mere lists of past lords of the manor. What we are really interested in is how a village began, what it might have looked like down the centuries, and what clues to the past are still there for those who know what to look for. In this book, Trevor Yorke takes on the role of village detective as he documents the development of the English village from pre-Roman settlements to the present day communities. His superb drawings illustrate the physical appearance of the village through different periods of history and there are diagrams and photographs of historic features. There is a separate chapter for those who wish to trace the history of a specific village, listing areas in which to begin research, books that may help, and places to visit for further advice. Trevor Yorke is a full time writer and designer. His books include Timber Framed Buildings Explained, The Country House Explained and British Architectural Styles.

The English abbey conjures up images of soaring cathedrals, hooded monks and great medieval churches. But what were the craggy ruins that grace our countryside really like? And how were they used?

Using his own detailed drawings, diagrams and photographs, author Trevor Yorke answers those questions and much more as he lifts the lid on the history of the English abbey.

This book is divided into three sections:
Section I: The origins of the abbey, from its development in the late 5th century to the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536, and the fate of these buildings since.
Section II: A detailed look at the abbey's individual parts such as cloister buildings, including the kitchen and dormitory; the workshops, guest houses and gardens; and finally the abbey estates.
Section III: An illustrated time chart for dating abbeys, a glossary of unfamiliar terms, and a list of recommended abbeys and priories to visit.