The British have never to flat dwelling the way other Europeans have. This is probably because of the English Channel. Continental European city dwellers had to build walls to keep out . Those who farmed the city would dash inside the walls and close the gates when danger . There was a of space within the walls, so it made to pile one home above another in the form of flats. Flats were the norm in cities like Paris from as early as the 15th century.

from a few Vikings, invaders were from the British shore by the sea, allowing the British to live in houses across the countryside in villages, hamlets and market towns, the only city of any at that time being London. It was not until the Industrial Revolution started luring people into towns in the 18th century that there was a for mass housing. Then, rooms in houses were by the poor and each family would one room.