Too Late To See...: Lost Architectural Icons - Paperback

by Peter Hancock (Author)

The past is littered with man-made structures, some opulent, others utilitarian, that no longer exist. Whether a palace or mine, a bridge or lighthouse, each was unique. Now they are mythical, enigmatic, intriguing - yet tantalizingly out of reach. However, unlike Camelot and Lyonesse, we know these places once existed; they are well documented, even though nothing remains today. For they have long since fallen victim to neglect, storms, fire or demolition.
This book delves into the stories of these iconic structures we were Too Late To See, telling of their inception, how they appeared in their heyday, and charting their demise. Using contemporary documents, illustrations and maps, and seeking out any surviving relics, it aims to recreate these lost buildings, if only in the mind of the reader.
First-hand accounts and contemporary illustrations, as well as maps and reconstructions, help to bring the places back to life. Accessible historical settings provide an insight into why each of the structures was first built and who was behind their conception, as well as what they looked like in all their grandeur. Their subsequent demise, any remains, and their legacy are investigated.