Bill Laws is the author of a batch of books on gardening, homes and history. His latest, Herefordshire’s Home Front in the Second World War was published in 2019. (Photo: Denver Botanical Garden)
A beautifully presented guide to the plants that have had the greatest impact in human civilisation.
“Laws delights in entertaining us with curious facts, some well known, some new.” The Garden
A companion to Herefordshire’s Home Front in the First World War, this book gives a rich insight into all aspects of life in the county during the Second World War.
Don Cornford, a Herefordshire man held prisoner in Japan, weighed under six stone when a British parachutist landed in the Bangkok prison camp where he was being held. “The war is over,” he told Don.
A celebration of the potato – the world’s favourite vegetable.
From its infancy in the Andes to its coming of age in the kitchens of Europe, the potato has raised civilisations, prevented famines and even helped win wars.
Train lines and rail companies that impacted on modern civilisation.
A historical, horticultural journey through the garden told through fifty garden tools.
The field is the farmer’s friend and a central feature of country life.
A fascinating account of the history and development of the English farmhouse.
A celebration in words and pictures of the traditional buildings of France’s best loved regions.
Essential reading for all lovers of Spain and its culture.
Inspiring country interiors from Maine to Cornwall, and from Scandinavia to Greece.
Eclectic interiors and traditional exteriors have their origins in Ireland’s cottage crafts.
“Laws’ sprightly, often arch, account of Britain’s hiking heroes is a pleasure to read.” Dominic Bates, Walk magazine.
An alternative history of the house and its constituent parts.
The intriguing back story to the humble vegetable.
Everything you ever wanted to know about real ale.
Nearly 6,000 women worked making munitions at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Rotherwas during two World Wars. This is their story. (As editor)
Herefordshire in 1913 was an old fashioned shire under the benevolent rule of the Church and the gentry. All that was soon to change forever.
A Slap of the Hand captures the social history of one of Britain’s biggest country markets, Hereford. (As editor)
Reflections on the closure of a county asylum, St Mary’s, by former patients. (As editor)
Essays and interviews on the theme of the Green Man.
Bill Laws 