England’s villages have survived, developed, persisted and thrived over hundreds of years. Entirely new villages are still being built today. But when did the first villages appear and why is this form of settlement so enduring and endearing? What makes a village and how has that changed over time? How did village pubs and village halls originate, and why do they matter?

Take a charming and unexpected journey through the quirks of England’s villages across the ages in the excellent company of Dr Ben Robinson, expert archaeologist. Join him in visiting villages from prehistoric and Roman times, throughout medieval England, to today’s urban villages. Discover how landowners, governments and communities have shaped villages, why village greens and ponds exist, and the real meaning behind village names like Bunny, Yelling, Lover, Great Snoring and Slaughter. A compelling study of archaeology, history and architecture, England’s Villages is a thoughtful, enlightening and informative look at our oldest homes, uncovering and revealing the extraordinary heritage of the places that surround us.