Hidden Histories:
A Spotter's Guide to the British Landscape

"This book is perfect for anyone who’s travelled through the countryside, scratched their head, and thought, ‘what on earth is that thing?’"
Tony Robinson

"I’ve spent over forty years wandering the British countryside, & only just found out I’ve been doing it with my eyes shut!"
Steve Backshall

“This fascinating spotter’s guide to Britain’s historical landscape – what to see and how to decipher it – is rammed with intriguing nuggets..."

The Sunday Times

Ever looked at a field, and wondered what the lumps and bumps are?

Or stared at a church and puzzled over how old it is?

Do you want to hunt for dolmens, reaves and tumuli?


Wherever you go in Britain there’s history woven into the landscape around you – in the shape of a field, the wall of a cottage, a standing stone or churchyard, even in the grass under your feet…

And there are literally thousands of sites scattered across the country that don’t have tickets and tour guides, but are waiting to reveal their secrets.


My new book is your guide to that landscape! 

It arms the explorer with the crucial information needed to ‘read’ the landscape and spot the human activities that have shaped our green and pleasant land.


Photographs & diagrams point out specific details and typical examples to help you understand what you’re looking at, or looking for. From hedgerows to corpse roads, from the Highlands to the Sussex Weald, the British Landscape is yours to explore.

Prof Francis Pryor (author of The Making of the British Landscape, Britain BC and Britain AD) says:
A friendly and well-written introduction to the hidden riches of the British landscape, with clear explanations and excellent illustrations. Use it as a handy guide, when out-and-about, or read it from cover to cover at home. Either way, it’s an excellent and authoritative read.

Neil Oliver says:
"What a brilliant idea - I only wish I'd thought of it first! This fine tome is the perfect companion for a good old walk in the wilds. Fantastically thorough. And so much detail and careful thought, ideal for all - whether specialist or general enthusiast. I'm loving it and learning from it. First class!"

Countryfile Magazine chose it as one of this year's Top Winter Reads:
"With seemingly everything covered from Neolithic hummocks to Gothic parapet spires, its scope is as magnificent as our countryside itself."

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