Though first published in 1889 this book grabbed my attention during the summer of 2006 sufficient to encourage me to undertake a full research project to discover just how many of Nevill's illustrated cottages and houses still exist today and what if any changes have been made to same. The outcome of this research project was submitted as dissertation for the award in 2007 of a Masters Degree in Timber Building Conservation from the University of Bournemouth, England.

My own study has compiled both a photographic and mapping record together with a statistical outcome that reflects the type, range and number of changes that can be expected to be incurred to a local geographic sample of buildings over a 117 year period.

Just as Nevill's book was probably the first significant attempt at publishing a record of local vernacular buildings in the UK so it is appropriate that my own study is probably the first to document and record changes made to buildings over an extended period based on a reliable source. Nevill is reliable.

Any person wanting to discover more about Nevill can contact me at ken@kfhume.freeserve.co.uk or check out www.kfhume.freeserve.co.uk

Regards

Ken Hume B.Sc. M.Sc. P.Eng. C.Eng. M.I.Mech.E.