Description
Book SynopsisA richly detailed guide to parish life in England from medieval to Victorian times, based on a wide range of churchwardens' accounts and other records. It describes the parish and church our ancestors knew - a world of rood lofts and Easter sepulchres, of Maypoles and Midsummer bonfires, of foundlings and frankincense. With over 350 illustrations.
Trade Review'Perhaps the most engrossing book I have read, it brims with details of church life through the centuries ... A masterpiece' (Fergus Butler-Gallie, Church Times); 'I was educated while being delighted' (Christopher Howse, Daily Telegraph); 'This great, fat, sumptuously illustrated book has a fascinating anecdote on every page ... Here is a treasure house of information, history, meticulous detail and fascinating revelations. This is what church history should be like ... Caution: think twice before you pick up this book. You might never be able to put it down again.' (The Oldie); 'A fascinating collection' (Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine); 'Such an engaging book, particularly given its huge scope ... with numerous insights into parish life over the centuries' (The Local Historian); 'Eminently successful ... At once a pleasure to read and a valuable work of reference' (Ecclesiology Today)
