Steven Parissien

Architectural and cultural historian Dr Steven Parissien explains how he picked 25 buildings that tell the history of Britain.

Parissien says the history of Britain is defined by its architecture more than any other nation. He explains how and why his selected 25 buildings were constructed. They include expected choices such as the Roman Baths at Aquae Sulis, the early Gothic Lincoln Cathedral and the Tudor jewel Little Moreton Hall. Less expected inclusions are the Manchester city centre Regency pub The Briton’s Protection and the Edwardian Baroque Electric Cinema in Notting Hill. Parissien says there is relevance and meaning in both iconic buildings and in the everyday and disregarded.

Parissien is director of studies and departmental lecturer in architectural history at the University of Oxford. He has worked in the heritage and arts sector for more than 30 years including as director of Compton Verney gallery in Warwickshire. His previous books include Adam Style; Interiors: The Home Since 1700; The Life of the Automobile; and The Comfort of the Past: Building Oxford 1815-2015.