Doors of London

by Melanie Backe-Hansen, Cath Harries (photographer)

256 pages, Hardcover

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

Melanie is an historian, speaker, and writer, who specialises in researching the history of houses, streets, and areas throughout the United Kingdom. For close to six years Melanie was the first and only historian to be employed by a UK estate agent to research the history of houses and streets. Since 2012 Melanie has been an independent house historian, completing private house history commissions, as well as consulting for corporate projects and property companies.

Melanie has written for The Times and regularly contributes to the Homes & Property blog for The Evening Standard, while her house histories have appeared across the national media, including the Financial Times and The Telegraph. She is also a frequent contributor of articles and expert comments in the media, including BBC radio.

Reviews

[Gregor Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doors of London is a fascinating journey through the history of London’s boroughs via the doors that are so often overlooked.

The book contains a wonderful collection of images and gives you interesting information about the doors and their styles, the architecture and history of the buildings, and a general background of the area.

I’m no door expert, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by information while reading this, instead, the reader is informed and entertained as the book moves through the streets of London.

If you have an interest in street photography, architecture, or the history of London, you will love this book.

[B.A. Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book of beautiful photos and fascinating text about the history of the London areas in which the doors are located. The author Melanie is a historian, and she gives such insight into the featured buildings. The photos by Cath Harries are wonderful.

Most people rush along the streets without noticing the details but if they slowed down they would be surprised. This book is the equivalent of mindfully walking down the streets and being rewarded with myriad architectural treasures.