Description

Britain is packed with places to visit that can be called ‘sacred’. Many are tourist sites, such as Iona, Lindisfarne and Stonehenge. Many more are out-of-the-way pilgrimage destinations, druidic circles, holy wells or obscure islands that few people would find without this book. Some are only recognised as ‘sacred’ by people with a special interest: Karl Marx’s tomb in Highgate cemetery or the island on Althorp where Princess Diana is buried. This book journeys from pilgrimage sites with tombs of martyrs and scenes of medieval miracles to the remote islands of Iona, Bardsey and Lindisfarne, as well as to modern Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic shrines. It visits pre-historic stone circles and ancient chalk hill carvings such as the phallic Cerne Abbas giant. As well as sites of myth, legend, and apparition it covers shrines to philosophers and locations revered for their connections with art, music, literature, sport and crime.

Publisher Review

'A fascinating take on travel in the British Isles from a guide book publisher sacred to all travellers.' Sandi Toksvig, author and TV and radio presenter So often when we visit the sacred sites of Britain we admire the architecture of a building, or the natural beauty of a site, but don't get beyond that. But there are occasions when we are moved by the sense of the transcendental that sacred places can inspire. That is far more likely to happen if we take this guide with us on our travels round Britain and read the stories that Martin tells so well, the stories which enable readers to understand how and why there are so many British sacred places. Sir Mark Tully, BBC Radio 4 presenter and former BBC foreign correspondent 'Martin Symington leads us - ever so quietly - to a selection of Britain's sacred places .... This is a wonderful, timely guide'. Nicholas Crane - BBC Countryfile Magazine 'Impeccably researched and beautifully written, this is an incredible journey across the length and breadth of the land and down through the mystical ages. A wonderful travel companion for anyone about to embark on their own pilgrimage through sacred Britain.' Glasgow Herald 'New book Sacred Britain sheds light on many of the intriguing places dotted around the British Isles.' Daily Express '....author Martin Symington also travels ancient pilgrims' routes to the Holy Isles and uncovers some of Britain's most intriguing sacred prehistory on Land's End Peninsula' Wanderlust 'This is a fascinating guide to places of pilgrimage - not only for people of all faiths, but also for fans of everything from royalty to the Red Devils of Manchester United.' Good Book Guide 'So often when we visit the sacred sites of Britain we admire the architecture of a building, or the natural beauty of a site, but don't get beyond that. But there are occasions when we are moved by the sense of the transcendental that sacred places can inspire. That is far more likely to happen if we take this guide with us on our travels round Britain and read the stories that Martin tells so well, the stories which enable readers to understand how and why there are so many British sacred places. Sir Mark Tully, BBC Radio 4 presenter and former BBC foreign correspondent. 'From enigmatic chalk images embellishing hillsides, to standing stones, hidden holy wells, remote churches, mouldering tombs - Sacred Britain visits them all with Martin Symington as an able guide.' Evergreen 'All described in an entertaining and light-hearted voice and with amusing comments about a few encounters along the way.' This England