The Making of the British Landscape by Nicholas Crane, 2017

Weidenfeld & Nicolson, ISBN: 9780753826676

581 pages, includes bibliography and index, paperback

Nicholas Crane is a geographer by profession, probably best known for presenting the BBC TV series ‘Coast’.

In this publication, Crane attempts to uncover the history of the British landscape over the course of human occupation, some 12,000 years from the Ice Age to the present. This is an ambitious and difficult undertaking, but the author manages it with great success. The content is focussed more intently on pre-modern Britain, perhaps, but the book comes together as an interesting and worthwhile read with a different approach.

There are three parts to the book: part one looking at the development of pre-Roman Britain, part two covering the Roman Period and part three taking us on to the Vikings and moving us all the way through to modern Britain.

The Making of the British Landscape is a study of change through the disciplines of archaeology and the historical record, but what feels different about this book is the insight that Crane’s geographical knowledge brings to the narrative. We are encouraged to consider the shape of the land, the importance of climate; soil type, the lie of the land and how these aspects were utilised by humans; and why these aspects created differences which were important to the various regions of the country and their development in terms of settlement, the built environment, economically and socially.

Crane looks at notable individuals whose work shaped the Britain we see today, from King Alfred with his burghs, to travellers like Celia Fiennes and engineers like Brunel.

Flora and fauna also factor, and the consideration given to climate change that runs through the book is very insightful and thought provoking. This novel approach when looking at landscape history is hugely interesting, and Crane sets it is an engaging manner, bringing passion, humour and heartfelt insight into his work. The illustrations are designed to visually represent the text but are set apart which can limit their use somewhat. As the book moves into the 18^th century the pace quickens and, perhaps understandably, the content feels a little more rushed, but the focus on the importance of communications, the emerging use of technologies and the economic forces driving change fulfil their purpose in building an understanding of the reasons how and why Britain came to be the place it is today.

The Making of the British Landscape is a well-crafted, fascinating journey through the changing landscape of our country, deftly explaining the impact of humans, the challenges they faced, and the challenges that have yet to come. A highly recommended read.

Julie Davis

Archives & Local Studies Lead (Development, Wellbeing & Local Studies)

Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre

This publication is available at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, ref. AAA.911 and is available to borrow via your local library, ref. 914.1