Britain's heritage

by John Julius Norwich

75 of England's most attractive and historically significant sites, from Stonehenge, to Queen Victoria's Royal Palace at Osborne, are illustrated in this book which features photographs taken from a balloon. This unique viewpoint reveals much about the buildings and their geographical settings which is difficult to perceive from the ground, yet in considerably greater detail than conventional high-level aerial photographs. Almost all of the sites featured are in the care of English Heritage, an organization set up to protect England's inheritance of prehistoric and Roman remains, castles, abbeys, houses and gardens. An explanatory text by Nell Burton describes the significance of these landmarks and puts them into a clear historical perspective. Attention is focused on the Roman remains along Hadrian's Wall, on the ruined medieval abbeys which are dotted through the English countryside and on the huge variety of castle strongholds which reflect the bloodier side of England's past.

207 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

John Julius Norwich was an English historian, writer, and broadcaster known for his engaging books on European history and culture. The son of diplomat and politician Duff Cooper and socialite Lady Diana Manners, he received an elite education at Eton, Strasbourg, and Oxford, and served in the Foreign Service before dedicating himself to writing full-time.
He authored acclaimed works on Norman Sicily, Venice, Byzantium, the Mediterranean, and the Papacy, as well as popular anthologies like Christmas Crackers. He was also a familiar voice and face in British media, presenting numerous television documentaries and radio programs. A champion of cultural heritage, he supported causes such as the Venice in Peril Fund and the World Monuments Fund.
Norwich’s wide-ranging output, wit, and accessible style made him a beloved figure in historical writing.