Books on England’s Long Forgotten Churches
Steeple Chasing is a book by an award-winning writer who decides to tell the story of Britain, by visiting church steeples that remain landmarks in our towns, villages and cities. Even if their influence and authority have waned, they contain art and architectural wonders – a gallery scattered (like jewels) across these isles.
Join Peter as he visits the unassuming Norfolk church with a disturbing secret and London’s mighty cathedrals with their histories of fire and love. Meet cats and bats, monks and druids, angels of oak and steel.
The book celebrates churches for their beauty and meaning, but also for the tales they tell. It is about people as much as place, flesh and bone (not just flint and stone). From the painted hells of Surrey to the holy wells of Wales, consider this a travel book … with bells on.
Exploring England’s Forgotten Churches
Forgotten Churches is a unique look at England’s most beautiful and overlooked churches, hidden treasures that need to be protected.
For centuries, England’s churches have stood as quiet witnesses to history, filled with remarkable craftmanship, untold stories and layers of cultural heritage.
Yet many of these extraordinary buildings remain overlooked – until now.
Luke Sherlock (the ‘English pilgrim’) has spent years travelling across England to uncover hidden architectural gems and sharing their beauty with thousands of people online.
Now in book form, he invites you on a journey through 70 of our most atmospheric churches, from 1000-year old Saxon chapels and striking Gothic landmarks, to hidden Romanesque sanctuaries and ornate Victorian treasures.
From the remote landscapes of Northumberland and Cornwall to the Norfolk fens, Yorkshire Dales and Somerset hills, he reveals their stories – of of local communities, master builders, and the shifting tides of history.
Whether you love history, architecture, or simply the charm of England’s rural landscapes, this book will appeal.
Luke Sherlock is a writer, pilgrim and bookshop owner, with a love for heritage and art. There’s little he loves more than throwing on a backpack, heading off down an unknown footpath to explore a hushed, ancient church.
The drawings are by Romanian-British artist Ioana Pioaru.
A Stonemason’s Guide to British Churches
Church Going is an illuminating exploration of our glorious ancient churches. Discover the history of your local parish church, for a glimpse into craftsmanship of old.
The author look at beehives in church walls to bullet-holes in weathervanes, in this glorious bedtime read for religious and architectural peeps.
Churches are not just place of worship, but also vibrant community hubs, and oases of calm reflection. To know a church, is to hold a key to the past, which unlocks an understanding of our shared history.
Andrew Ziminski has spent decades as a stonemason and church conservator, often acting as an informal guide to curious visitors. This is his handbook, which reveals their fascinating histories, features and furnishings. Beautifully written and richly illustrated, it’s a celebration of British architectural history.
