Reputed to have been the largest
privately-owned house in Europe, Alton Towers is now known to
millions as the picturesque backdrop to one of Europe's most popular
theme parks. Researched from original sources and complemented with
nineteenth-century drawings and photographs, this book traces the
amazing history and development of this great Gothic-revival mansion
and its fabulous gardens. It discusses the growth of the house from
a small hunting lodge to its completion as the principal residence
of the Earls of Shrewsbury, crammed with costly furniture and works
of art.A key figure in the
development and extension of the house was the celebrated architect
and designer AWN Pugin. He was employed by the 16th Earl from 1837
to 1853. The extraordinary relationship between earl and architect
is revealed through their correspondence; yet another original
feature of this book which explores the achievements and limitations
of Pugin as a domestic architect.
This is a new edition of Michael
Fisher's earlier publication Alton Towers: A Gothic Wonderland
(1999), taking account of his more recent studies of Pugin and the
Gothic Revival and the programme of conservation and restoration of
the Towers buildings which began in 2000. It also includes a new
section on the on-going important restoration by the owners of the
theme park.
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