Although steel and glass dominate modern cities, Britain boasts innumerable beautiful examples of more traditional construction methods. Many date from the period before easy nationwide transportation, when materials were usually grown or extracted locally, and as a result Britain has a varied legacy of vernacular buildings that reflects its multitude of different landscapes. They display a rich and colorful palette of materials, from the honey-colored stone of the Cotswolds to the red earth of Devon and grey granite of Aberdeen. In this book, buildings historian Matthew Slocombe looks at the range of materials used for walls and roof coverings, explores the processes involved in their extraction, production and manufacture, and outlines the diverse range of skills required for their use in construction.

Matthew Slocombe is a buildings historian, and has been involved professionally with traditional building conservation for 20 years. He is Deputy Secretary of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries; trustee of Heritage Link; and a member of the Institute for Historic Building Conservation and Vernacular Architecture Group. He has written extensively on building and property-related subjects, including a Restoration supplement and articles for Country Life magazine. He has contributed to books, including How Old is Your House and English Heritage's forthcoming Practical Building Conservation series. His daily work includes advising owners, professionals and councils on traditional building issues.