Norfolk v. 1; Norwich and North-east Nikolaus Pevsner, Bill Wilson

Norfolk 1: Norwich and North-East and its companion, Norfolk 2: North-West and South, aim to provide a lively and uniquely comprehensive survey of the architectural treasures of Norfolk. Extensively revised and expanded, these new editions of Sir Nikolaus Pevsner's original volumes bring together the latest research on a county which has some of the most attractive buildings in England. The gazetteer is enhanced by an introduction which provides a perceptive overview of the region's architectural inheritance, and is illustrated by numerous text figures, maps and 130 photographs (many specially commissioned). Pre-eminent in this volume is the city of Norwich, rich in major buildings of outstanding quality, from Norman cathedral and castle to twentieth-century city hall and university. Supreme among the ports described in this volume is the medieval walled town of Great Yarmouth, whose highly individual history and buildings are here examined in detail for the first time. There are also full descriptions of many appealing market towns, whilst the rest of the county is revealed through succinct accounts of its parish churches and less well-known buildings. Abbey ruins, brick eighteenth-century farmhouses and estate cottages in quiet inland villages contrast with coastal fishing settlements and resorts. Great barns testify to the significance of agriculture. Country houses range from the magnificent Jacobean Blickling Hall to seaside extravaganzas by Lutyens. Detailed indexes make this not only an essential reference book, but also a guide book for anyone interested in the rich region of Norfolk.

Bill Wilson has worked since 1987 as an historic buildings consultant, based in Norwich. He has carried out surveys of 25 East Anglian towns for English Heritage and has completed an examination for the National Trust of all their properties in the region.