The roof lines of our towns and cities are places seldom looked at from below. Yet they contain a world of architectural delights.
This easy to follow guide includes hundreds of photos and drawings of rooftops and their features from around the country and offers a fascinating glimpse into this overlooked aspect of Britain’s architectural history.
Just above the shop fronts, offices, banks and public buildings lie elaborate chimneys, fancy ironwork, and terracotta mouldings of mythical beasts. Our own homes too can have roofs decorated with intricate bargeboards, elegant parapets and patterned tiles. Each one has a specific role and their style can reveal much about the history of the building.
Introduction
Chapter 1 THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A ROOF
Structure and Style
Chapter 2 THE DECORATIVE TOUCH
Dragons, Ridges and Ironwork
Chapter 3 WINDOWS – LIGHT AND VENTILATION
Dormers, Lanterns and Vents
Chapter 4 A DRAMATIC SKYLINE
Towers, Turrets and Spires
Chapter 5 THE TOP OF THE WALL
Parapets, Balustrades and Cornice
Chapter 6 THE END OF THE ROOF
Gables and Bargeboards
Chapter 7 CATCHING THE RAINDROPS
Gargoyles and Guttering
Chapter 8 THE WORLD OF CHIMNEYS
Chimneys, Stacks and Pots
Glossary
Index
