Boathouses have a fascinating story to tell, one of invasion and response, of naval expedience, of taste and fashion, and competition and industry. In this book Michael Dawson looks at boathouses throughout history, from the earliest example in Roman Britain to the latest designs in the twenty-first century. He details their practicalities and ambitions and their evolution through periods of industrial revolution and social change. Built on riverbanks and along the coast, in parkland and reservoirs, boathouses have provided protection for ferries and packet boats, royal barges and private steamers. A new boathouse was essential to the successful establishment of Cambridge University Women’s Rowing Team. They have been described as the ‘new museums’ in the architectural press, and as ‘magical’ in publicity for the Victorian boat house on the Thames near Marlow, the film setting for The Wind in the Willows.

With vibrant images and informative text, this is an indispensable guide to the history, architecture and significance of the boathouses of Britain.

'From military control of British borders to leisurely sails down the Thames, there is something for everyone to be found in Dawson's history. * Current Archaeology Magazine, July 2025 *
'Dawson's accessible prose and thorough research make this an indispensable guide for enthusiasts of British heritage and maritime history.' * Sea Breezes Magazine, September 2025 *

Michael Dawson edits the journal ‘Historic Environment Policy and Practice’, lectures in the Department of Continuing Education, and is a member of Kellogg College, University of Oxford. He is a former Heritage Consultant at RPS and Chair of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologist. He has published widely on archaeology and conservation issues in the historic environment.