Question - Have you ever had a Shire Book that isn't useful? The answer has to be a resounding no! Even for those who have some background knowledge of a subject there are always new snippets in every volume.
This book takes a look at the way the church and its hierarchy developed before moving on to give an overview of the architectural features of the interior and exterior of churches and their churchyards showing the changes through time and relating those to the changing fashions and changing demands on the church. All is supported by stunning photographs and the book concludes with a highlights list of places to visit on a county by county basis.
This book is to be highly recommended and adds to the growing list from this author looking at aspects of our ecclesiastical heritage. It really does make you want to find out more.

#ChurchesAndChurchyardsOfEnglandAndWales #NetGalley

Churches and Churchyards of England and Wales by Richard Hayman is a fabulous reference on the history of the churches of England and Wales in how the hierarchy was created, how the structures and locations themselves were created (and why), how the churchyards and boundaries were created and developed, and how the internal and external components were added and altered throughout the history of the Christian existence in these countries.

It was fascinating to learn how the structures and the uses of the churches were altered based on the needs of the population and towns “parishes” and how the ranking of what was considered important changed over time.

I did not know a lot about how parishes and monasteries came to be in England and how it all changed structure wise.

The supporting pictures were breathtaking.

5/5 stars. If you love English/Welsh history, or if you are a history buff on the church structure, this is a must read.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC and in return I am submitting my voluntary review and unbiased opinion.