Best Research, Interpretation or Recording of a Historic Building or Place

J.A.K. Dean’s book, The Plight of the Big House in Northern Ireland, is the result of a life’s work of research. Thanks to his intrepid work in the field, Dean has thrown a light on a history of buildings that have been lost. Nearly 200 buildings, lost or at risk, across all of the six counties of Northern Ireland are recorded. Each entry in the compilation combines research and field notes with copious references and a comprehensive bibliography. In addition, pictures and photographs, most taken by the author, have been sourced for nearly every entry. By describing the architecture of the houses and relating this to family history, Dean has brought little known buildings to the attention of a wider public. Through highlighting the perilous state of the remaining big houses, his work should help to ensure that more care is taken of those that remain.