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Now that we’re all fans of Who do you think you are?, Time Team, and What the Victorians did for us, we’re used to the idea of history as entertainment. But the fact is that construction has a history that’s every bit as rich in personality, incident and contemporary relevance as anything the BBC’s producers might care to screen.

A forthcoming CIOB book profiling eminent figures from construction’s past highlights 20 inspirational stories. How the Cubitt brother’s fortune was won, almost lost and won again. How Sir Morton Peto improved the welfare of 19th century construction workers. How Sir Frank Lampl of Bovis brought an immigrant’s energy and clear sightedness to his adopted country.

Construction Manager’s history discussion panel added more layers to the story. How the industry adapted to skills and materials shortages after two world wars. The fact that distance between different professions has created division almost since contracting began. And how construction has been buffeted by around 20 recessions in the past 175 years – and responded each time to the challeng.

Looking at the industry’s current predicament from a historical perspective, it’s possible to a draw a little comfort. Every generation has harked back to what went before – nostalgia and regrets aren’t just a product of our age. But as individuals and an industry, the construction family has consistently proved itself innovative and forward-thinking.