Description

A 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.

Publisher Review

'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)