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ENGLISH VILLAGES - BY - P.H. DITCHFIELD M.A., F.S.A.
PREFACE
CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER II - PREHISTORIC REMAINS
CHAPTER III - TUMULI OR BARROWS
CHAPTER IV - PIT AND PILE DWELLINGS
CHAPTER V - CROMLECHS, CAMPS, AND EARTHWORKS
CHAPTER VI - ROMAN RELICS
CHAPTER VII - ANGLO-SAXON VILLAGES
This lovingly crafted portrait invites listeners to wander through England’s countryside, pausing at the ancient lanes and bustling fairs that have shaped village life for centuries. It sketches the rhythms of daily toil, the colorful customs of feasts and sports, and the quiet faith that stitched communities together. Whether you grew up in a hamlet or simply long to hear its stories, the narrative makes the familiar feel fresh and accessible.
Beyond anecdotes, the guide weaves recent archaeological discoveries and careful analysis of place‑names into a richer picture of rural heritage. It warns of the modern exodus that threatens these settlements, while urging a renewed local pride to safeguard their unique character. By balancing scholarly insight with vivid storytelling, the work encourages listeners to see their surroundings not just as scenery, but as living chapters of a shared history.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (434K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Brendan Lane, Beth Trapaga and Distributed Proofreaders. Illustrated HTML version by David Widger
Release date
2004-08-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1854–1930
A country clergyman with a deep love of English history, local custom, and village life, he wrote widely to preserve the texture of places and traditions that he feared were disappearing. His books mix antiquarian curiosity with an easy storytelling style that still makes old churches, parishes, and rural England feel close at hand.
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