Perth and York: a comparative analysis and description of two county towns in Britain

In this study, the townscapes of two British county towns, Perth and York, are described and analysed. Such facets of the townscape as the town plan, architecture, land use, demography and the activity of the business community are compared and contrasted for the two towns. Historical and modern maps, a field survey of archi¬ tecture, a building-to-building examination of land use, published and unpublished census data, and a postal questionnaire concerning business activity provided much of the information for the comparison of the two townscapes. Although the historical development and the economic functions of Perth and York resemble one another, their townscapes reflect the divergent cultural traditions of England and Scotland. Repeatedly, contrasts between the two towns may be attributed to distinct national or regional characteristics. Other less important themes which recur are the contrasts between the two towns resulting from the difference in their size, and from purely unique features in each city. The principal points which emerged from the study are summarized at the end of each chapter and in the conclusion