The Town House

The Town House by Norah Lofts is the first novel in her acclaimed House trilogy, a richly layered historical saga that traces the life of a single dwelling across centuries. Set in medieval England, the story centers on Martin Reed, a humble serf who defies the rigid social order by rising to become a prosperous merchant and building the titular town house as a symbol of his hard-won independence. Through Martin’s struggles, ambitions, and sacrifices, Lofts vividly recreates the harsh realities and fleeting triumphs of 14th-century life. Blending meticulous historical detail with compelling human drama, The Town House is both a gripping personal story and the beginning of an epic exploration of class, legacy, and the lives lived within four walls.