The English landscape in the twentieth century

the long version

"The English landscape changed more radically in the twentieth century than it had done in the previous thousand years. This can be seen everywhere, nowhere in England being untouched by human influence. In this eye-opening book, Trevor Rowley shows vividly what changed and why. By the millennium, the countryside had become a dormitory or holiday destination, and agriculture employed less than two per cent of the population. In contrast, cities and towns, dominated by the megalopolis of London, expanded massively. Life, and the landscape, became ruled by the car. Regional identities disappeared as national chains and uniform building styles began to be found from Penzance to Carlisle. Uplands and country houses became theme parks often overrun by visitors. Two world wars and changing patterns of work and leisure also left their mark. The English Landscape in the Twentieth Century is a survey of a subject that matters to everyone."--Jacket.