Edition of original letters and other documents sheds light on a major ecclesiastical controversy. In 1881, after decades of mouldering into ruin, the grand fifteenth-century church of Blythburgh, Suffolk, "The Cathedral of the Marshes", was closed as unsafe. The church was saved - but its rescue involved a bitter twenty-five year long dispute between Blythburgh vicars and committees, and William Morris and his Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, who feared that the medieval fabric would be over-restored and the character of the building lost forever. This volume presents an edition, with notes and introduction, of original documents from both sides - providing unique insights into a rancorous conflict, with vicars pitted against patrons as well as the Society.The need was local, but the significance national, with elites ranged against another. From a description of the Blythburgh committee headed by a royal princess, to accounts of lavish fund-raising fetes and garden parties, the story is vividly brought to life. Alan Mackley, an honorary research fellow at the University of East Anglia, studied history after a career as a scientist in the oil industry. He has lived in Suffolk for over 35 years.
Reviews
Brings together all the correspondence, paperwork and detail to be found on this saga, including much from the SPAB's files...Today, the church is well loved and much visisted. * SPAB MAGAZINE *
An important contribution to our understanding of the issues and principles underpinning modern building conservation...will be of interest to everyone involved in the restoration of historic buildings far beyond the boundaries of Blythburgh. * THE LOCAL HISTORIAN *
A wonderful local record, as well as an insight to the past personalities of a parish. * SUFFOLK VIEW *
A tale of rancour, fetes, princesses, and William Morris, told in original documents, scrupulously edited by Alan Mackley. * CHURCH TIMES *
This is 'gold'...What a fascinating story about Blythburgh Church. * EAST ANGLIAN DAILY TIMES *
Will prove a valuable tool to subsequent researchers. * EASTERN DAILY PRESS *



Book Information
ISBN 9781783271672
Author Alan Mackley
Format Hardback
Page Count 383
Imprint The Boydell Press
Publisher Boydell & Brewer Ltd
Weight(grams) 1g