Beautifully illustrated narrative history of the English country church In his engaging account, Sir Roy Strong celebrates the life of the English parish church From the arrival of the missionaries from Ireland and Rome, to the beautiful architecture and rich spirituality of medieval Catholicism; from the cataclysm of the Reformation, to the gentrified cleric we meet in Jane Austen novels, Roy Strong takes us on a journey - historical, social and spiritual - to explore what men and women experienced through the age when they went to church on Sunday. ‘Anyone with the slightest interest in the English parish church, of its life today, or its history will be intrigued, informed and enchanted by this lucid, and occasionally provocative, account’ Country Life

Maps out a rural theology that addresses some of the concerns faced by Britain's rural population and those who minister to them. This book discusses some of the relevant issues from the point of view of Christian ethics.

This book de-mystifies the whole process of carrying out works to churches. It explains what consents are needed; how they can be applied for; and on what basis applications are decided. The author explores many of the detailed issues that may arise in practice – whether the proposal is to move a shelf in the vestry or to embark on a major refurbishment of the whole church. Topics covered include heating, lighting, access for the less mobile, toilets, kitchens, security, storage, repairs and maintenance. The impact of change on the congregation is considered, as well as the particular problems that may arise where new facilities or new uses are introduced. This indispensable guide highlights issues to consider when contemplating changes and helps the reader to navigate the complex legal and practical processes involved in carrying out works to churches.

For most people in England today, the church is simply the empty building at the end of the road, visited for the first time, if at all, when dead. It offers its sacraments to a population that lives without rites of passage, and which regards the National Health Service rather than the National Church as its true spiritual guardian. Here, Scruton argues that the Anglican Church is the forlorn trustee of an architectural and artistic inheritance that remains one of the treasures of European civilization. He contends that it is a still point in the centre of English culture and that its defining texts, the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer are the sources from which much of our national identity derives. At once an elegy to a vanishing world and a clarion call to recognize Anglicanism's continuing relevance, Our Church is a graceful and persuasive book.

A comprehensive, up-to-date and accessible overview of the history of Christianity in England from its earliest days to the present. The ideal gift for all who want to understand what it means to be Christian in England.

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.

In the 1960s Geoffrey Grigson travelled around England writing the story of the secret landscape that is all around us, if only we take the time to look and see. The result is a book that will take you on an imaginative journey, revealing hidden stories, unexpected places and strange phenomena. From green men, ice-scratches, cross-legged knights and weathercocks to rainbows, clouds and stars; from place-names and poets to mazes, dene-holes and sham ruins, via avenues, dewponds and village greens, The Shell Country Alphabet will help you discover the world that remains, just off the motorway. 'Geoffrey Grigson resurrected the minor, the provincial and the parochial ... [he was] an erudite and unrivalled topographer ... ardent in promoting informed awareness of the distinctiveness of place' Toby Barnard 'An anthologist of genius' P.J. Kavanagh

The unexpectedly entertaining story of how the Church of England lost its place at the centre of English public life - now updated with new material by the authors including comments on the book's controversial first publication. The Church of England still seemed an essential part of Englishness, and even of the British state, when Mrs Thatcher was elected in 1979. The decades which followed saw a seismic shift in the foundations of the C of E, leading to the loss of more than half its members and much of its influence. In England today 'religion' has become a toxic brand, and Anglicanism something done by other people. How did this happen? Is there any way back? This 'relentlessly honest' and surprisingly entertaining book tells the dramatic and contentious story of the disappearance of the Church of England from the centre of public life. The authors – religious correspondent Andrew Brown and academic Linda Woodhead – watched this closely, one from the inside and one from the outside. That Was the Church, That Was shows what happened and explains why.

This Insight Guide is a lavishly illustrated inspirational travel guide to England and a beautiful souvenir of your trip. Perfect for travellers looking for a deeper dive into the destination's history and culture, it's ideal to inspire and help you plan your travels. With its great selection of places to see and colourful magazine-style layout, this England guidebook is just the tool you need to accompany you before or during your trip. Whether it's deciding when to go, choosing what to see or creating a travel plan to cover key places like the Lake District, Stonehenge, it will answer all the questions you might have along the way. It will also help guide you when you'll be exploring Stratford-upon-Avon or discovering the Cotswolds on the ground. Our England travel guide was fully-updated post-COVID-19. The Insight Guide ENGLAND covers: Central London, the City and Southwark, Kensington and Chelsea, day trips along the Thames, the Thames Valley, Oxford, the Cotswolds, Shakespeare Country, Cambridge, East Anglia, Canterbury and the Southeast, Brighton and the Downs, Hampshire, Wiltshire. In this guide book to England you will find: IN-DEPTH CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL FEATURES Created to provide a deeper dive into the culture and the history of England to get a greater understanding of its modern-day life, people and politics. BEST OF The top attractions and Editor's Choice featured in this England guide book highlight the most special places to visit. TIPS AND FACTS Up-to-date historical timeline and in-depth cultural background to England as well as an introduction to England's food and drink, and fun destination-specific features. PRACTICAL TRAVEL INFORMATION A-Z of useful advice on everything, from when to go to England, how to get there and how to get around, to England's climate, advice on tipping, etiquette and more. COLOUR-CODED CHAPTERS Every part of the destination, from Central London to Canterbury and the Southeast has its own colour assigned for easy navigation of this England travel guide. CURATED PLACES, HIGH-QUALITY MAPS Geographically organised text, cross-referenced against full-colour, high-quality travel maps for quick orientation in Oxford, Cambridge and many other locations in England. STRIKING PICTURES This guide book to England features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning York Minster and the spectacular Tower of London.