Talk | The English House with Dan Cruickshank

Discover the rich histories of some of England’s most fascinating homes — including our very own Pallant House!

This is the story of the superbly elegant early 18th century Pallant House in Chichester. It’s the story of 19 Princelet Street in Spitalfields, built for a Huguenot silk-weaver, ultimately a synagogue. It’s also the story of – among others – a row of two-up, two-downs in Toxteth, a block of flats in London’s East End, and what Ideal Home’s magazine described in 1926 as Britain’s ‘first modern house’ – in Northampton.

Through these diverse buildings, the talk explores how English homes have evolved over the centuries, revealing not only architectural innovation but the stories of their first occupants: their aspirations, their struggles, their place within society and relationship with their local community. The talk will weave these two strands together, blending architectural and social history to share a series of brilliantly observed portraits of fascinating buildings, and shedding more light on the history of our special gallery.

The talk will be followed by a book signing with books available to purchase from the Pallant Book Shop.