The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Castles, Palaces and Stately Houses of Britain and Ireland

Book excerpt: This is a magnificent visual account of Britain's architectural and historical heritage celebrated in over 500 beautiful photographs, fine-art paintings, drawings and maps. It is a truly impressive reference to the historic buildings of the United Kingdom - the castles, royal palaces, stately homes, fortified manors and the great country houses. It has full coverage of the World Heritage Sites of Edward I's castles at Beaumaris, Harlech, Caernarvon and Conwy; Blenheim Palace, the Tower of London and the Palace of Westminster; with in-depth features on over 120 royal palaces, historic houses and gardens. The book is illustrated with over 500 photographs and paintings of landscapes, exteriors and interiors. An A-Z gazetteer with contact details plus over 50 maps help you explore Britain's architectural legacy. This sumptuously illustrated history is an authoritative guide to the castles, royal residences and historic houses of Britain and Northern Ireland. It combines an in-depth account of the most important buildings with a wealth of stories and information about Britain's glorious architectural past and heritage, including Burghley House, Longleat, Windsor Castle and Balmoral. Special features focus on important art and architectural movements and on the great architects including Wren, Adam, Wyatt and Lutyens. More than 500 photographs and specially commissioned maps, plans and drawings bring these national treasures vividly to life.