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The English Village is a celebration of 86 of the finest villages England has to offer. From honey-coloured cottages in coastal Cornwall to the millstone grit of northern villages, this book sets out to investigate the origins of English villages - why, where and how they developed - as well as asking why it is that they so often elicit such a strong emotional response. Over 200 specially-commissioned colour photographs capture the fine details and charm of villages in 40 different regions of England, while the engaging and informative text sheds light on all aspects of village life, including the village green, inn, school, shop, church and customs. The history and character of each village is explored in depth, along with shorter accounts of other villages in the vicinity, including deserted villages. Regional building styles are examined and the stories of some of the people who brought these diverse settlements to life are revealed in this study of what is surely the very embodiment of Englishness.