Church Going: A Stonemason's Guide to the Churches of the British Isles

Andrew Ziminski's Church Going is a captivating exploration of medieval churches in the British Isles, revealing their fascinating histories, features, and furnishings. It is beautifully written and richly illustrated, celebrating British architectural history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 17 October 2024
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

A joyous and illuminating exploration of our glorious heritage of old churches, "Church Going" by Andrew Ziminski is a must-read for anyone who has ever stared at an apse or a misericord with no idea what they're looking at. Captivating and brimming with humour and humanity, this book has received rave reviews from critics, including Sir Tony Robinson, who describes it as a treasure trove of lived and learned experience. Andrew Ziminski's books have changed the way we look at buildings and Britain, according to Max Porter, author of "Grief Is the Thing with Feathers." From bulletholes in weathervanes to beehives in church walls, Ziminski has an eye for charming details and an ear for a good story.

Churches are many things to us - they are places of worship, vibrant community hubs, and oases of calm reflection. To know a church is to hold a key to the past that unlocks an understanding of our shared history. Andrew Ziminski has spent decades as a stonemason and church conservator, acting as an informal guide to curious visitors. Church Going is his handbook to the medieval churches of the British Isles, in which he reveals their fascinating histories, features, and furnishings, from flying buttresses to rood screens, lychgates to chancels. Beautifully written and richly illustrated, it is a celebration of British architectural history.

One of the key features of "Church Going" is Ziminski's ability to bring the churches to life. He describes the buildings in vivid detail, from the intricate carvings on the walls to the delicate stained-glass windows. He also shares anecdotes and stories about the people who built and used the churches, including the monks, nuns, and parishioners who lived and worked there.

Ziminski's book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the medieval churches. In the first chapter, "The Origins of Churches," he explores the early history of Christianity in Britain and the development of the church as a religious institution. He discusses the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England, and the Protestant Reformation, and how these events shaped the architecture of the churches.

In the second chapter, "The Architecture of Churches," Ziminski delves into the design and construction of the churches. He explains the different architectural styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque, and how they were influenced by the local environment and the religious beliefs of the time. He also discusses the use of materials, such as stone, wood, and glass, and how they were used to create the beautiful and intricate structures that we see today.

One of the most impressive features of the medieval churches is their architecture. Ziminski describes the flying buttresses, which were used to support the weight of the roof, and the rood screens, which were used to separate the nave from the chancel. He also discusses the lychgates, which were used to welcome visitors to the church, and the chancels, which were used for religious ceremonies.

In addition to the architecture, Ziminski also discusses the furnishings of the churches. He describes the altar, the pulpit, the pews, and the stained-glass windows. He explains the symbolism behind these objects and how they were used to convey the message of the church. He also discusses the role of music in the church, and how it was used to enhance the worship experience.

One of the most interesting aspects of "Church Going" is Ziminski's ability to connect the churches to the wider world. He discusses the impact of the medieval churches on the local communities, and how they were used as a center of social and cultural life. He also discusses the influence of the medieval churches on the wider world, including the spread of Christianity and the development of art and architecture.

Despite the many challenges that the medieval churches faced over the centuries, many of them have survived and continue to be used today. Ziminski describes the efforts that have been made to preserve and restore these buildings, and how they are now open to the public. He also discusses the importance of preserving these buildings for future generations, and how they can be used to educate people about the history and culture of the British Isles.

In conclusion, "Church Going" by Andrew Ziminski is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history and architecture of the medieval churches of the British Isles. It is a joyous and illuminating exploration of our glorious heritage, and it is beautifully written and richly illustrated. Ziminski's ability to bring the churches to life and connect them to the wider world makes this book a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and culture of the British Isles.

Weight: 634g
Dimension: 242 x 163 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800818682
Edition number: Main