J.P.T. SLEVIN (ed.), L. LOCKYER (trans.), The History of Alfred of Beverley

Abstract

famous scenes in England. All of which is satisfyingly illustrated, dated, and explained. At Hovingham Hall, the volume cannot but focus on the question of why particular buildings appear as they do. Thomas Worsley fell short of his dreams, producing (from 1751) a Riding School with house attached. His inscription: Pro viribus non pro votis erexit T.W., ‘He built this as he could, not as he would’, can stand for many other buildings. Grenville makes a stirring effort to praise high-quality building erected in the last hundred years and does not shy away from criticizing those of lesser quality. It is difficult to be even-handed while exercising aesthetic judgement, and Brutalism is rarely mentioned with enthusiasm. Architect designed private houses do well, such as Stone House, Goathland, c. 1912–15, by Annabel Dot; ‘the only example found in the Riding of a female architect until the 21C’. Some of the best modern architecture is industrial and institutional, with praise for Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge, Scarborough hospital, and Wass nunnery. The Introduction ends ‘with the hope that others will follow the lead to produce buildings of outstanding quality for the future’. This volume deserves to endure. Further printed editions seem unlikely. A digital Pevsner will be the place for future updates.