An engaging, richly illustrated account of parish churches and churchgoers in England, from the Anglo-Saxons to the mid-sixteenth century Parish churches were at the heart of English religious and social life in the Middle Ages and the sixteenth century. In this comprehensive study, Nicholas Orme shows how they came into existence, who staffed them, and how their buildings were used. He explains who went to church, who did not attend, how people behaved there, and how they--not merely the clergy--affected how worship was staged. The book provides an accessible account of what happened in the daily and weekly services, and how churches marked the seasons of Christmas, Lent, Easter, and summer. It describes how they celebrated the great events of life: birth, coming of age, and marriage, and gave comfort in sickness and death. A final chapter covers the English Reformation in the sixteenth century and shows how, alongside its changes, much that went on in parish churches remained as before.

Simon Jenkins has travelled the length and breadth of England to select his thousand best churches. Organised by county, each church is described - often with delightful asides - and given a star-rating from one to five. All of the county sections are prefaced by a map locating each church, and lavishly illustrated with colour photos from the Country Life archive. Jenkins contends that these churches house a gallery of vernacular art without equal in the world. Here, he brings that museum to public attention.

Publishing in association with The National Churches Trust, this book offers a luxurious guide to the amazing architecture, art and furniture found in Churches across England.

For over a hundred years, Anglican church buildings in every part of the world were dominated by a single idea of what churches should look like and how they should be arranged inside. Only since Vatican II has the dominance of this idea been finally overthrown. Thousands of churches still reflect the architectural dogmas of the Cambridge Camden Society. Millions of worshippers still imbibe the theology so effectively promoted by this group through its powerful influence on the arrangement of church interiors and the style of such buildings. And many of these architectural images of what is the nature of the Church itself have proved to be the most stubborn resisters of Vatican II reforms. The Cambridge Camden Society was so successful in changing the outward aspects of Anglican worship because it had specific ideas as to how churches should be arranged. The Society's infatuation with a certain period of gothic architecture and with the whole medieval 'cultus' brought about drastic changes in worship according to the 'Book of Common Prayer' without changing a single letter of the prayer book itself. The members of the Society led the way not only in the revival of medieval architecture but also of vestments and ceremonial. Though much of the Cambridge Camden theology reflects that of the Oxford Movement, Dr. White shows both parallels and contrasts between the aims of Oxford tractarians and Cambridge ecclesiologists. Architecture proved to be every bit as effective a form of propaganda as tracts, and a good deal more permanent. The public, at first hostile, eventually became receptive to the ideals of the Cambridge Movement. The measure of the Movement's success is seen in almost all Anglican (and many Protestant) churches built or remodelled between 1840 and the 1960s. This is a valuable contribution to nineteenth-century studies, especially to the visual history of the period.

Discover the fascinating evolution of one of England’s most iconic institutions in The Historical Growth of The English Parish Church by Alexander Hamilton Thompson. This enlightening work traces the development of the parish church from its early roots to its modern-day form, shedding light on its significance within both the community and religious practice. Thompson provides a detailed narrative, offering an in-depth examination of how the parish church has evolved through the centuries. From its architectural changes to its role in the everyday life of the people, this book presents a comprehensive study of an enduring symbol of English culture.But what exactly has shaped the transformation of the English parish church? What forces—social, political, and religious—have played a pivotal role in its growth? This book invites you to reflect on how these factors have molded one of history’s most enduring institutions. The story of the English parish church is not just one of bricks and mortar; it’s a reflection of the changing tides of English society itself. Thompson's insightful analysis helps readers understand how the church became a central figure in both faith and community, adapting to the evolving needs of the people it served. Are you ready to uncover the secrets behind the growth of the English parish church and the forces that shaped its history?If you’re fascinated by history, architecture, or religious studies, this book offers a treasure trove of knowledge about one of England’s most cherished institutions. Thompson’s thorough research and clear presentation will engage readers with a deep interest in understanding the social and historical context of the English parish church. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the history of this pivotal institution. Purchase The Historical Growth of The English Parish Church now and take a step back in time to witness the church’s evolution through the ages.