In House Histories, Britain's leading house historian uncovers the hidden stories and secrets of ordinary and extraordinary houses across the country. The wide range of houses, from workers' cottages to aristocratic mansions, offers a unique insight into our social and architectural history. Tudor farmhouses, Georgian town houses, modernist twentieth-century designs and converted factories all have a tale to tell. Melanie Backe-Hansen digs into the past of homes once occupied by famous figures such as H.G. Wells and Benjamin Disraeli, 'Miss Moneypenny' and the Second World War SOE recruits. Details of the daily lives of ordinary people emerge from the railway and fishermen's cottages or silk weavers' terraces in which they lived. From Hampstead Garden Suburb to the slum clearances of Manchester's Hulme, the reader is taken through the centuries of change experienced by each house, exploring past occupants and architectural alterations. Entries are illustrated with a range of historic maps, photographs, prints, archive records and contemporary images. As a nation we are obsessed by property: prices, interior design and restoration, and the creation of a home. Now there is another avenue to explore: your house's history. House Histories helps readers get started by outlining the main research sources and how to use them.

About the Author
MELANIE BACKE-HANSEN is an historian, writer and speaker, specialising in the social history of houses across the United Kingdom. She is a research consultant for 'A House Through Time' (BBC Two) and was also series historical consultant for 'Phil Spencer's History of Britain in 100 Homes' (More4). She regularly contributes to national media and lifestyle magazines and has featured on numerous TV and radio programmes. She is also a regular speaker at events and universities. Melanie is a member of the Royal Historical Society and is an honorary teaching fellow at the University of Dundee. She lives in London.

Reviews
A book that goes out of its way to prove that every house has a story to tell, and what stories. A surprising and often inspiring journey into the past through some of Britain's most fascinating homes. -- Professor David Olusoga
A fascinating and beautifully detailed guide to exploring house history, in this exquisitely illustrated book, Mel uncovers wonderful houses, their histories and fascinating residents from Eleanor Rathbone to Ian Fleming. -- Professor Kate Williams
A wonderful combination of inspiring stories and practical advice that makes you want to research the history of your own house. -- Dr Nick Barratt
Melanie Backe-Hansen's book is an indispensable guide to researching the history of your home. Case studies from her own house histories take the reader through the process step-by-step, illuminating not only changes in the architecture and interiors of ordinary and extraordinary houses through time but also shedding light on the lives of a wide range of occupants from public figures to working men and women. -- Professor Deborah Sugg Ryan



Book Information
ISBN 9780750992305
Author Melanie Backe-Hansen
Format Paperback
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd