Churches and Churchyards of England and Wales

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.

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. It begins by examining why churches are built where they are, and then goes on to explain how both church buildings and churchyards have changed over time. It also describes the fixtures and furnishings in the parish church, including fonts, screens, stained glass, and monuments, explaining their ritual and symbolic purpose and how their significance has shifted over time. Lavishly illustrated with color photographs, this book will provide an indispensable introductory guide to anyone who is curious about the nation's parish churches and wants to explore them further.

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.