Vernacular Buildings: a Source for Historical Study

Abstract The historic county of Yorkshire has a wealth of vernacular buildings, studied for over a century. The focus of study and the means by which it has been carried out have changed over this period and the opportunity exists to review this history and indicate how the subject might develop in the next years, particularly in relation to the fuller exploitation of existing records and the way in which future research might be structured. The use of architectural evidence for the examination of changing types of house is well established, but less well recognised is its potential to not only illustrate wider historical trends but also to modify, refine or counter conclusions drawn from other sources.