Our English Towns and Villages

This volume invites listeners to step beyond dates and battles and discover the living story hidden in England’s countless towns and villages. Using the curious question of a young boy from the Canadian frontier, it explores why settlements sprang up where they did—by the sea, beside rivers, on hill‑tops or in quiet valleys—tracing each choice back through centuries of human activity. The narration is clear and conversational, turning everyday observations of roofs, stone walls and old market squares into clues that bring the past to life.

Designed for older students and lifelong learners, the book treats local history as a “nature lesson” for the mind, encouraging listeners to look at their own surroundings with fresh eyes. It weaves together archaeology, folklore, and the evolution of trade and transport, offering plentiful examples that teachers can expand into richer discussions. By the end of the first part, listeners will feel equipped to read the landscape itself as a historical record, sparking a deeper appreciation for the places they call home.