Books by Howard Beard

Stroud is a fascinating Cotswold market town, built on a hillside at the convergence of five valleys. Into its rich history are woven many strands : the story of the wool trade, the arrival of canals and railways, the construction of fine public buildings and the development of streets, parks and shops. In the past few decades it has also attracted artists and has become strongly associated with green issues. Ninety-four classic old photographs - some never ever published before - are produced in an attractive sepia tone, accompanied by a modern colour photograph with an accompanying caption. The book focuses on the changing scene and highlights how the passage of time has affected the appearance of Stroud, its businesses, places of worship and open spaces.

Stroud History Tour offers a unique insight into the history and buildings of a fascinating Cotswold market town. An itinerary has been created which will lead the reader to view the many places of interest lying along Stroud's streets, public areas and byways. Although intended to begin at the town's surviving railway station, the route can be joined at any point and, similarly, abandoned where desired - perhaps at one of Stroud's many street cafes. By following the proposed tour it will become apparent which parts of the town date from the earliest times and also how its religious buildings have altered, or been put to new uses. In addition, interspersed among the captions, are anecdotes taken from the author's personal and family history. A numbered map is included to assist the reader in exploring the fascinating changes that have taken place over the last century or so in Stroud.

Lying together in one of Stroud's five valleys, Nailsworth and Woodchester provide an interesting contrast with one another. As a parish, the former is only just over a century old, created from portions of Avening, Horsley and Minchinhampton, while Woodchester has pre-Conquest roots and is the site of the great Roman villa, with its celebrated Orpheus Mosaic. Both parishes possess many fine buildings and are home to thriving, vibrant communities. Using period and modern photographs, this book aims to highlight changes in Nailsworth and Woodchester over the last century or so. Matching images invite the reader to compare how landscape, architecture and street scenes have altered and to enjoy fascinating glimpses of Victorian and Edwardian people going about their daily lives.