Villages in England as alluring and deeply loved dwellings, according to John Lewis-Stempel's perspective
Stepping into an English village today feels like stepping back in time. With their honey-colored limestone cottages, thatched roofs, cobbled streets, and ancient churches, these charming hamlets have captivated visitors for centuries. But the origin of these picturesque landscapes goes back much further than one might think.
The roots of the quintessential English village can be traced back to medieval times, when agriculture and the local manor were at the heart of village life. The Cotswolds, a region known for its ideal sheep-farming conditions, was particularly prosperous during this era, thanks to the wool trade. This wealth is evident in the grand wool merchants’ houses and distinctive “wool churches” that still stand today [1][3].
The Roman influence can also be seen in the infrastructure of English villages, with roads and villas providing a foundation for later settlements [1]. As the Middle Ages progressed, villages evolved, with architecture heavily influenced by Norman and later Gothic styles seen in churches and castles [2].
However, it was the Industrial Revolution that brought significant change to these rural communities. Many traditional industries moved away from villages to industrial centers, sparing some from heavy industrialization. This preservation of historic buildings and landscapes has become a defining aspect of the quintessential English village today [1].
One such well-preserved village is Lacock, where the medieval layout and buildings offer a living example of centuries-old English village life [5]. Today, these villages are valued for their heritage, tourism, and as symbols of England’s rural history and culture [1][3].
But the English village is not merely a static relic of the past. In the 20th and 21st centuries, these villages have continued to evolve, with tourism becoming a significant economic driver while some villages maintain active communities that preserve much of the historic lifestyle and appearance [1][5].
The village of Selborne, Hampshire Downs, serves as an example of the natural beauty and tranquility that existed before industrialization. It was here that the naturalist Gilbert White conducted his observations, romanticizing the rural English village that was already passing beyond reach [4]. White's work stands close to us today in his respect for all creatures as sentient beings, contrasting with prevailing Enlightenment orthodoxy [4].
In a similar vein, the English village has become the symbol of national nostalgia, an alchemic process that has transformed it into a mythical ideal [6]. The quintessential English village, as we imagine it, consists of a slumbering village green, beamy public house, ancient church, duck-quacking pond, and cottages with pink roses around the porch [7]. However, the perfect English village is a myth, as no single village contains all these elements [8].
In exploring the 12 distinctive habitats of England, John Lewis-Stempel's new book, 'England: A Natural History', offers a fresh perspective on the English village, delving into its natural history and the creatures that call these picturesque landscapes home [9]. Lewis-Stempel, who has won the Wainwright prize for nature writing twice, sheds light on the Lake District's great piscean survivors from the Ice Age [9].
Throughout history, the English village has been a place of community, eccentrics, and traditions. From the hovels made of wood bits in English villages alongside the more picturesque cottages [10], to the sense of community and eccentricities that still thrive today, the English village continues to captivate and inspire [11].
In conclusion, the quintessential English village is a testament to the balance between preservation and adaptation over time. From its medieval origins to its cherished cultural heritage and tourist destination status today, the English village stands as a symbol of England's rural history and a reminder of the beauty that lies in the simple things.
References: [1] https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-village [2] https://www.british-history.ac.uk/victoria-county-history/berkshire/vol3/pp15-42 [3] https://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/about-the-cotswolds/history/ [4] https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/jan/26/the-natural-world-of-gilbert-white-and-the-history-of-nature-writing [5] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock [6] https://www.jstor.org/stable/29774475 [7] https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/526k75QW3XZJ28GQ3Z8N871/the-quintessential-english-village [8] https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/sep/27/the-perfect-english-village-myth-and-reality [9] https://www.wainwrightprize.com/past-winners/john-lewis-stempel/ [10] https://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=51367 [11] https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/dec/12/john-lewis-stempel-named-bsme-columnist-of-the-year-2016
