Seeing vernacular architecture in terms of people making their own history can be difficult for the modern observer, in part because, as we have seen, traditional houses carry a strong cultural and emotional baggage, a baggage placed on our backs by the Romantic tradition. Unlike prehistoric remains such as Neolithic chambered tombs or Palaeolithic handaxes, these houses occupy a very special place in the formation of contemporary views of and prejudices about the English countryside. As such, they are subject to a Romantic view that goes back to Wordsworth’s and others’ views of vernacular buildings as reflecting a genius loci: they are immediately classified as authentic, closer to the earth, more functional, timeless even, to be contrasted with a faceless, placeless modernity of ‘vulgar utility’ in whatever guise.”
historic buildings consultancy