The parish church is a symbol of continuity, a cornerstone of the urban and rural landscape, and a treasure trove often as rich in cultural history as any museum. This compact and accessible guide explores all of these aspects of the parish church, beginning by examining why churches are built where they are, and going on to explain how both church buildings and churchyards have changed over time. It also describes their fixtures and furnishings, including fonts, screens, stained glass and monuments, explaining the ritual and symbolic purpose of these features and how their significance has shifted over time. Lavishly illustrated with colour photographs, this book will provide an indispensable primer for anyone who is curious about the nation's parish churches and wants to explore them further.

An engaging introduction to the workings of church buildings and churchyards, explaining the integral elements of a working church and how they have changed over time.

About the Author
Richard Hayman is a buildings historian and has been visiting and photographing churches for many years. He is author of several books, including Rood Screens, Church Misericords and Bench Ends and The Tudor Reformation for Shire, and A Concise Guide to the Parish Church.


Book Information
ISBN 9781784423551
Author Mr Richard Hayman
Format Paperback
Page Count 152
Imprint Shire Publications
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 326g