Sacred Monuments in the United Kingdom

St Mark's Church, Myddelton Square

Londyn

St Mark's Church is an Anglican church standing in the middle of Myddelton Square, the largest square in London's Clerkenwell district. This Gothic-style church with a tall west tower is the focal point of the whole layout and a good stop on a walk through a quieter, residential corner of central London. Who designed the church and the square? The designer was William Chadwell Mylne, surveyor to the New River Company. The company managed the waterway that brought drinking water to London, and it owned land in Clerkenwell that it turned over to housing in the early nineteenth century. The square is named after Sir Hugh Myddelton, who financed the New River in the early 1600s. The church went up in the 1820s; sources give slightly different dates, so the late 1820s is the safest way to put it. The square itself, with houses put up by more than a dozen different builders, was still being completed in the 1830s. What does St Mark's look like? The building is in a plain, restrained Gothic style. It was planned for a large congregation, with room for roughly 2,000 people, and the cost is put at about £18,000. The west tower rises around 90 feet (about 27 metres). The church is Grade II listed. The interior was damaged in the Second World War and rebuilt in a simplified form. One postwar feature is the east window of 1962, which shows the Ascension and is by A.E. Buss of Goddard & Gibbs. What to see nearby Myddelton Square is framed by terraced houses in a classical, Greek Revival-influenced manner. The north side of the square was badly damaged in an air raid on 11 January 1941, and some of the houses were rebuilt in the late 1940s. A walk around the church shows how London estates were planned in the Regency and early Victorian period: a church as the centrepiece, with a green space in the middle. Close by is the site of the old New River Head, tied to the story of London's water supply, along with streets named after people linked to the New River Company, such as Mylne Street and Chadwell Street. Frequently asked questions Is St Mark's Church a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed. Who designed the church? William Chadwell Mylne, surveyor to the New River Company, who also planned the square. How many people could the church hold? Around 2,000, according to available descriptions. What style is the building? A plain Gothic church with a west tower about 90 feet high. Is it worth a short visit? Yes. The church and the square around it are a calm part of Clerkenwell and combine well with exploring other places in the district.

St John's Wood Church

London

St John's Wood Church is an Anglican parish church in north-west London, set in the leafy district that takes its name from it. Built in the early nineteenth century, it began life as a modest chapel and grew into the heart of the local parish. Its story is tied closely to two things Londoners know well: a burial ground turned public garden, and the home of cricket nearby. When and why was St John's Wood Church built? In 1808 the Marylebone parish vestry bought a plot of land north of the New Road to use as a burial ground. A chapel was needed to serve it, and the architect Thomas Hardwick, who was also working on the new St Marylebone parish church, designed the building. The chapel was consecrated on 24 May 1814. At that time it was a chapel of ease, meaning a subsidiary church that spared parishioners the longer walk to St Marylebone Parish Church. What is the connection with Lord's Cricket Ground? The date of consecration coincided with Thomas Lord moving his cricket ground to its present site, just a short distance away. According to the church's own history, the congregation was invited to "Mr Lord's new cricket ground" for refreshments after the service. Another account says Lord offered his new pavilion for the celebrations. It is a neat piece of London trivia that a church consecration and the arrival of the world's most famous cricket venue in this part of the city happened in the same year. Note that Lord had first set up a ground in 1780 elsewhere, so 1814 marks the move to this neighbourhood, not the founding of the club's ground. What happened to the burial ground? The burial ground attached to the church was eventually closed to new burials, handed over to the local authority and laid out as a public park. Today the churchyard garden is a quiet green space beside a busy part of town, and a pleasant place to sit before or after seeing the church. How did it become a parish church? For most of its early history the building remained a chapel. It became a parish church in its own right in 1952, after bomb damage in the Second World War left St Stephen's in Avenue Road unusable. The congregation of that church was brought together with this one, and St John's Wood Church has served the parish ever since. Is it worth a visit? Yes, especially if you are exploring the area on foot. The church sits in one of the calmer, greener parts of central London, within reach of Regent's Park and Lord's. It suits visitors interested in Regency-era church architecture, in London's parish history, or in the unexpected overlap between faith and sport. Check the parish's published times before you go, because the building is an active place of worship and access depends on services and events. Frequently asked questions Who designed St John's Wood Church? Thomas Hardwick, who also designed St Marylebone parish church. When was it consecrated? On 24 May 1814. Is it connected to Lord's? Only by timing and neighbourhood: the consecration coincided with Thomas Lord's move to his current ground, and the congregation was invited there for refreshments afterwards. Is it a parish church today? Yes. It has held that status since 1952. Where is it? In the St John's Wood district of north-west London, in the City of Westminster, close to Regent's Park.

St Paul's Church, Bristol

Bristol

St Paul's Church in Bristol is a former parish church that gives its name to the surrounding St Paul's district. Built in the 1790s, it is a Grade I listed building and one of the more distinctive Georgian landmarks in the city, known locally as the "Wedding Cake Church" because of its tiered tower. What is St Paul's Church? The church stands on the north-east side of Portland Square, a Georgian square laid out around 1790. Historic England dates the building to 1789–94 and records it in the National Heritage List for England at Grade I, the highest category of protection, reserved for buildings of exceptional interest. Who designed it? The architect was Daniel Hague. His design took the place of an earlier proposal by James Allen, who had suggested a church in the Greek style. Hague was also involved in promoting and laying out Portland Square itself. Historic England notes that he claimed to have modelled the tower on the Royal Exchange in London, a claim that rests on his own account. Why is it called the Wedding Cake Church? The nickname comes from the tower, which rises in several stacked stages and resembles a tiered cake. The tower was planned to hold a ring of ten bells, but only four were ever bought. For visitors walking through the area, the tower is the feature that stands out most against the surrounding streets. What happened after construction? Hague went bankrupt in 1793, a year before the church was completed, and many of the buildings around the square had to wait until 1815 to be finished. The church served its congregation for almost two centuries, but over time it fell into disuse and disrepair. It closed in 1988 and is now described as a redundant church. What is it used for today? After its closure the building was converted, reportedly in 2005, to become the home of Circomedia, a circus and physical theatre school. That gives the former church a new life as a working cultural venue while its historic exterior remains in place. Can you visit? The building is best admired from Portland Square, where you can see the full height of the tower and the Georgian proportions of the facade. Because the building is now used by an arts school, it is worth checking Circomedia's schedule if you hope to see inside, for example at a performance or an open event. Frequently asked questions When was St Paul's Church built? Between 1789 and 1794, according to Historic England. Is St Paul's Church listed? Yes. It is a Grade I listed building. Who was the architect? Daniel Hague, who also took part in the creation of Portland Square. Why is it called the Wedding Cake Church? Because of its multi-tiered tower, which resembles a wedding cake. Is it still a church? No. It was closed in 1988 and later became the home of the Circomedia circus school. How many bells does the tower have? The tower was designed for ten bells, but only four were bought. Does the church give its name to an area? Yes. The surrounding St Paul's area of Bristol is named after it.

Church of St Michael

Church of St Michael in Breinton is a small parish church on the edge of Hereford, in the English county of Herefordshire. It looks like a quiet Victorian village church, yet part of its stonework dates back to around 1200. Visitors interested in medieval architecture, church monuments and the rural landscape near the River Wye will find it a rewarding short stop. What is the history of St Michael's Church? The first building that can be identified with certainty is a Norman church raised around 1200. Some accounts suggest that worship may have taken place on the site even earlier, though the Norman structure is the earliest firm evidence. Over the following centuries the church was altered more than once. A new chancel was built in the 14th century, and in 1833-34 a gallery was added at the west end of the nave, a typical feature of parish churches of that period. The biggest change came in the 1860s. Between 1866 and 1870 the architect F. R. Kempson almost completely rebuilt and enlarged the old church. The restoration had been proposed by the architect James Cranston, and the work was paid for by voluntary subscription, meaning local donations rather than a single wealthy patron. Kempson did not discard everything: he reused older elements and built them into the new structure. What can you see at the church? The Norman doorway and window. The most important surviving medieval details are the west doorway and the window above it. They are the visible link between today's Victorian building and the church of 1200. The exterior. The church has a nave topped by a bell turret with a short octagonal spire, a north aisle, a south porch, and a chancel with a vestry on its north side. The proportions are modest and typical of a Herefordshire village church. The interior. Inside, the character is largely Victorian, a result of the 19th-century rebuilding. Among the furnishings are windows by Powell dating from 1874, a good example of the stained glass produced in that decade. The church also holds memorials from the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the older ones is a wall tablet from 1685 commemorating Captain Rudhall Booth. Is the church protected? Yes. The Church of St Michael is a Grade II listed building, first listed in 1967. This status recognises its architectural and historical interest and means that any changes to the building are controlled. Frequently asked questions When was St Michael's Church in Breinton built? The earliest identifiable church was Norman and dates from around 1200. The present building is mostly the result of a rebuilding carried out between 1866 and 1870. Who rebuilt the church? The Victorian rebuilding was carried out by F. R. Kempson. The restoration had been proposed by James Cranston. What medieval features survive? The Norman west doorway and the window above it were kept and reused in the Victorian church. How old are the parish records? The parish registers of Breinton begin in 1625, which makes them a useful resource for anyone researching local family history. Is it worth a visit? For lovers of church architecture, stained glass and historic memorials, yes. It is a small and peaceful place, best combined with a walk through the surrounding Herefordshire countryside and a visit to nearby Hereford.

Shrewsbury Abbey

Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Abbey, formally the Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul, is a former Benedictine monastery in Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire in western England. Part of the medieval building survives today as a parish church, and that is what visitors can see. Who founded Shrewsbury Abbey, and when? The abbey was founded in 1083 by Roger de Montgomery, a Norman magnate. According to the account, he publicly made his pledge in February of that year by laying his gloves on the altar of Saint Peter. Work on the stone church was supervised by monks brought from his earlier foundation at Séez in Normandy. The first abbot was Fulchred of Sées, and regular monastic life began around 1087. Why was the abbey important in the Middle Ages? Over time the abbey became a major pilgrimage centre and a powerful institution. Its abbots sat in parliament from the 13th century onward, which shows how much influence the house carried. It ranked among the significant Benedictine houses of the region. What happened after the Dissolution? After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, most of the monastic buildings lost their original purpose. Part of the church, however, continued in use as a parish church. In a later chapter of its history, the engineer Thomas Telford built a main road close to the abbey, and many of the remaining ancillary buildings were destroyed in the process. This is why only a fragment of the former complex can be seen today. Is there a connection to Cadfael? Yes. The abbey is associated with Cadfael, the fictional Benedictine monk and amateur sleuth from the novels and the television series. For many visitors, books and television are the first reason to come. Frequently asked questions Where is the abbey? In Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire in western England, in the area known as Abbey Foregate. Can you visit it? You can visit the surviving church, which still works as a parish church. Check opening times before you go, as access may be limited during services. Is it a ruin or a working church? The surviving part of the abbey is a working parish church, not only a ruin. Who is it best for? Anyone interested in medieval English history, Norman architecture and places tied to literature, including the Cadfael stories. Summary Shrewsbury Abbey is a living trace of Norman England: founded in 1083, grown into an influential centre, and after the Dissolution kept alive as a parish church. If you are exploring Shrewsbury, give it a stop of its own, and a short walk around helps you appreciate how much of the original complex has disappeared.

Church of St Dunstan, Cranbrook

Tunbridge Wells

Church of St Dunstan in Cranbrook is the parish church of a small market town in the Weald of Kent, in the borough of Tunbridge Wells in south-east England. It is a Grade I listed building, the highest level of protection in England, and it is widely nicknamed the "Cathedral of the Weald" because of its size and its prominent place above the town. What is the history of St Dunstan's Church? The oldest parts of the building date from the late 13th century. Over the following centuries the church was repeatedly enlarged. The chancel arch and the porch were added roughly a century after the first work, and the nave and the tower belong to the later medieval and early 16th-century phases of construction. Sources differ on the exact dates of individual parts, which is normal for a church that grew in stages, so it is best to think of St Dunstan's as the product of several generations of builders rather than one single project. Why is such a large church in a small town? Cranbrook was a centre of the Wealden cloth industry in the late Middle Ages. Money from the cloth trade paid for the successive enlargements in the 15th and 16th centuries, and that is why a town of this size has a church on the scale of a small cathedral. The building is a good illustration of how local trade shaped the landscape of Kent. Who was St Dunstan? The church is dedicated to Dunstan, an influential archbishop of Canterbury in the 10th century. Dedications of this kind were common across Kent, which was closely tied to the see of Canterbury. What is there to see? The tower. It dominates the skyline of Cranbrook, and a wooden figure of Father Time is a well-known detail on it. The font. The church has a total immersion font dating from 1725, a rarity in the Church of England. The interior. The wide nave and the layers of medieval and later work show the town's former wealth. The Victorian restoration. In 1863 the church was restored by the architects William Slater and Ewan Christian, which is why the building combines medieval fabric with 19th-century repairs. Some heritage sources also link the church to the clock mechanism associated with Big Ben, but that claim is not clearly established, so treat it as local lore rather than settled fact. Visiting today St Dunstan's is still a working parish church, part of the Diocese of Canterbury, so services take priority and opening times can vary. A heritage project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund has funded conservation work and improved access, including opening the tower to visitors. Check the parish website for current opening hours and tower visits before you go. The church stands in the centre of Cranbrook, so you can combine a visit with a walk around the town, which has a local heritage trail. Cranbrook lies in the Weald, a countryside area of woods, farms and historic villages, and the church is a convenient starting point for exploring it. Frequently asked questions Why is it called the "Cathedral of the Weald"? Because of its large size and its imposing tower, which are unusual for a parish church in a small town. Is St Dunstan's Church a listed building? Yes, it is Grade I listed. Who restored the church in the 19th century? William Slater and Ewan Christian carried out a restoration in 1863. Is the church open to visitors? It is an active parish church and welcomes visitors, but opening times vary, so check ahead.

Christ Church with St Ewen, Bristol

Bristol

Christ Church with St Ewen is a Church of England parish church on Broad Street in the historic centre of Bristol, England. It is one of the city's best-known Georgian churches and a landmark of the old walled core of the city. Where is Christ Church with St Ewen? The church stands on Broad Street, in the central part of Bristol, at roughly 51.455 N, 2.593 W. Its position in the middle of the city makes it easy to include in a walk through the old streets, together with the other historic churches nearby. What is the history of the church? A church is recorded on this site going back to Norman times, and the present building is thought to be the third on the spot. The medieval church had a long history of structural instability. In 1786 it was judged beyond repair and pulled down. Part of the southern side of the old site was given up so that Wine Street could be widened. The church you see today was built between 1786 and 1791. Different sources give 1790 or 1791 as the year of completion, and Historic England dates the work to 1786-1791. The body of the church was designed by William Paty, while the tower is thought to be the work of his father, Thomas Paty, who was architect to the vestry. The building was constructed by Thomas Paty and Sons, a well-known Bristol family of builders and architects. Who designed it and what style is it? The church is a Georgian design of the late eighteenth century. It is listed Grade II*, a status given to particularly important buildings of more than special interest. The church is noted for its interior and for its tower clock. The quarter jacks, the figures that traditionally strike the quarter hours, were moved from their original position, and plans have been reported to put them back. How did the church change over time? In the nineteenth century the church became the centre in Bristol for the Church Union, a movement with high church views. Its outlook contrasted with the character usually associated with Georgian church life. Alterations made in 1883 introduced a pseudo-Florentine style to the interior, which later writers have described as unfortunate. A restoration in 1973, led by the priest-in-charge, Rev. G. S. Zimmern, gave the building fresh care. In 2008 the churches of Bristol city centre were reorganised. Since then the full title of the parish has been Christ Church with St Ewen, All Saints and St George, Bristol, which reflects the joining of several congregations into one. Frequently asked questions Who built Christ Church with St Ewen? The church was built by Thomas Paty and Sons. William Paty designed the main body, and the tower is attributed to Thomas Paty. When was the present church built? Construction ran from 1786 to about 1790 or 1791, after the medieval church was demolished. Is the church a listed building? Yes, it is listed Grade II*. Why is the name so long? The name comes from the 2008 reorganisation of the city centre churches, which added All Saints and St George to the title. What should visitors look for? The tower with its clock, the Georgian architecture on Broad Street, and the interior, which is one of the reasons the church is noted.

Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield

Birmingham

Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield Holy Trinity Church is the Church of England parish church of Sutton Coldfield, a historic town that is now part of Birmingham in the West Midlands. The building holds the top Grade I listing and gives its name to the Sutton Trinity ward. For visitors exploring the Midlands, it is one of the most significant historic religious buildings in this part of the city. Why visit Holy Trinity Church? The church shows how a small market town's parish church was reshaped over several centuries. Each period left its mark: a medieval tower, side aisles added in the sixteenth century, fittings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and a Victorian enlargement. The fabric and the interior tell the story of Sutton Coldfield as well as any local museum. What is the history of the church? The first church on the site dates from the 13th century and was linked to the nearby Sutton Coldfield manor. The oldest surviving part of the present building is the west tower, which dates from the late 15th century. In the 1530s Bishop John Vesey, a figure closely tied to the town, added side aisles and an organ. The 18th century brought galleries, pews and bells. In the 1870s the north aisle was doubled in width, and in 1914 the architect C. E. Bateman restored the chancel. These successive phases give the building a layout that clearly shows its stages of growth. What to see inside The tomb of John Vesey, a reminder of the bishop who shaped the church more than anyone. The font, which came from the Church of St Lawrence at Over Winacre in Nottinghamshire. Seventeenth-century screens and panelling that originated in Worcester Cathedral. Several eighteenth-century monuments commemorating residents of the old town. Heritage status The church was listed Grade I on 18 October 1949. This category covers only a small share of buildings in England, those judged to be of exceptional architectural or historic interest. The parish's story from 1250 to 2020 is told in a book by Stella Thebridge, published in 2020. Frequently asked questions Is Holy Trinity Church still in use? Yes. It is a working Church of England parish church with regular services. Visiting hours are best checked on the parish website (htsc.org.uk). Where is the church? In Sutton Coldfield, in the north of Birmingham, in the West Midlands of England. The surrounding ward, Sutton Trinity, takes its name from the church. Which part of the building is the oldest? The west tower, from the late 15th century. An earlier church on the site dates back to the 13th century. Who was John Vesey? A bishop who, in the 1530s, added side aisles and an organ to the church. His tomb is inside. Is it a good starting point for a walk? Yes. The church is a natural place to begin exploring the historic centre of Sutton Coldfield, which has a different character from central Birmingham.

St John the Evangelist's Church, Perry Barr

Birmingham

St John the Evangelist's Church in Perry Barr is a Grade II listed Church of England parish church in the north of Birmingham. Built in the early 1830s as a chapel for a landed estate, it is one of the older surviving buildings in this part of the city and a quiet stop for anyone interested in English church architecture. What is St John the Evangelist's Church in Perry Barr? It is an active Anglican parish church in the Perry Barr district of Birmingham. The building dates from 1831–33 and carries Grade II listed status, which means it is protected for its special architectural and historic interest. Its original purpose was practical: it served the people who worked on the nearby Perry Hall estate. Who built it and when? The church was funded by John Gough, the owner of the Perry Hall estate. The Gothic design was the work of Robert Studholme, a stonemason from Sutton Coldfield. Construction ran from 1831 to 1833, and the Bishop of Lichfield consecrated the church on 6 August 1833. A separate ecclesiastical parish of St John was created in 1862, taken out of the parish of St Mary's, Handsworth. From then on the former estate chapel served its own parish community. What does the church look like? In its first form the church was a simple rectangular hall with a gallery at the west end and a tower at the west front. Historic England's listing describes the style as Commissioners' Gothic, a cheap and plain version of Gothic revival typical of the period. The parish's own history takes a slightly different view and calls it a good example of "pre-architectural gothick", a lighter and more decorative early phase of the revival. The exterior is built of red sandstone, while the interior is plastered and painted. The nave windows are simple two-light openings with diamond-pane glazing in Georgian-style ironwork. On the north side you can spot the carved emblem of the Gough family, a reminder of the church's origins as a private estate chapel. How was the building changed later? The church was extended in the late Victorian period. In 1888 the architect Julius Alfred Chatwin added a raised chancel, an organ chamber on the north side and vestries on the south side. In 1894 he added transepts. These additions gave the building its present cruciform plan. Are the gates also listed? Yes. The red brick gate piers and the original cast-iron Gothic gates date from 1831 and are listed separately. The ironwork uses trefoil shapes and intersecting arch patterns, which echo the Gothic style of the church itself. They are worth a look before you step inside. Visiting tips The church is in Perry Barr, in the north of Birmingham, and is an active place of worship, so respect services and quiet hours. Check the parish's own website for opening times and events, as access outside services can vary. Look at the gates, the north wall with the Gough emblem and the contrast between the early hall-style nave and the Victorian east end. Frequently asked questions Is St John the Evangelist's Church listed? Yes, it is Grade II listed, and its gates and gate piers have their own separate listing. When was the church consecrated? On 6 August 1833, by the Bishop of Lichfield. Who designed it? Robert Studholme, a stonemason from Sutton Coldfield. Later extensions came from Julius Alfred Chatwin in 1888 and 1894. Why was it built? John Gough, owner of the Perry Hall estate, funded it as a chapel for the people working on his estate.

Church of Saint Peter

Sutton Coldfield

Church of Saint Peter, Sutton Coldfield The Church of Saint Peter stands on Maney Hill Road in Maney, part of Sutton Coldfield in the north of Birmingham. It is a Church of England parish church in the Diocese of Birmingham, and a Grade II listed building with an Arts and Crafts interior. When was St Peter's built? The foundation stone was laid in 1904 by Lord Leigh, and the building was completed in 1905. The church was consecrated in June 1905 by Bishop Charles Gore, only about two weeks after the Diocese of Birmingham had been formed. That timing makes it one of the early churches of the new diocese, and a useful marker of how the area grew at the start of the twentieth century. The church's own heritage material also refers to an earlier "Iron church" as a stage in the congregation's history. The sources consulted give no dates for it, so it is best treated as a pointer to the parish's modest beginnings rather than a documented chapter. Who designed it? The architects were Cossins, Peacock and Bewley, a Birmingham practice, and the builder was Thomas Elvins. The original church of 1905 was not the final form. In 1935 the western end of the nave and aisles was extended and the tower was added, so the building seen today combines two campaigns of work, about three decades apart. What is there to see inside? The interior is in the Arts and Crafts style, which favours handcraft, honest materials and careful detail. The stained glass is by Sidney Harold Meteyard, an artist associated with the "Birmingham Group" of Arts and Crafts painters and designers. For visitors interested in the decorative arts of the Midlands, the windows are the main reason to step inside. Is it listed? Yes. Historic England listed the church at Grade II on 4 March 1999, recognising its architectural and historic interest. The neighbouring St Peter's Vicarage, built in 1911-12 to designs by C. E. Bateman, is also Grade II listed, so the church and its vicarage form a small, well-protected group. Visiting tips The church is an active place of worship, so check service times before a visit and be considerate during services. It sometimes opens to the public during Heritage Open Days and Birmingham Heritage Week, when visitors can see the interior and learn about its history. It suits a short architecture stop combined with a walk around Maney and Sutton Coldfield. Frequently asked questions Where is the Church of Saint Peter in Sutton Coldfield? On Maney Hill Road, in the Maney area of Sutton Coldfield, within the city of Birmingham. When was it consecrated? In June 1905, by Bishop Charles Gore. Who made the stained glass? Sidney Harold Meteyard, of the Birmingham Group. Is the church listed? Yes, Grade II, since 4 March 1999. Is it the same as the Church of Saint Peter near Antakya? No. That is a different, much older cave church in Turkey; this one is a twentieth-century parish church in England.

St Philip's Cathedral

Birmingham

St Philip's Cathedral in Birmingham stands on Colmore Row, in the heart of the city centre. It is a Church of England cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. One of the smallest cathedrals in England, it combines a Baroque, domed profile with stained glass that ranks among the finest of the Victorian era. Who designed the cathedral and when was it built? The building began life as a parish church, not a cathedral. Its architect was Thomas Archer, who worked in a Baroque style shaped by Borromini and more Italianate than the churches of Christopher Wren. Construction ran from 1711 to 1715, with consecration in 1715. It was Archer's first church design; he was not a church architect by trade and later left architecture for a post in the customs service. From parish church to cathedral The church became a cathedral in 1905, when the Diocese of Birmingham was created, with Charles Gore as its first bishop. In the Victorian period it was enlarged: J. A. Chatwin extended the chancel and added Corinthian columns and a stepped entablature in white and gold, set against Archer's square piers and round arches. Why see the Burne-Jones windows? The finest treasures inside are the windows designed by Edward Burne-Jones, the Pre-Raphaelite painter who was baptised in this very church. The chancel windows show the Ascension (1885), and the Nativity and the Crucifixion (both 1887). The west window depicts the Last Judgment (1897) and was given in memory of Henry Bowlby. The Ascension was commissioned first, and the artist proposed the two side windows afterwards. The glass was made in the circle of William Morris's Arts and Crafts workshops. How did the cathedral survive the Second World War? On the night of 7 November 1940 the building was bombed and gutted. Fortunately, the Burne-Jones windows had been removed early in the war by the Birmingham Civic Society. They returned unharmed when restoration was completed in 1948, with the work carried out by Philip and Anthony Chatwin. Is the cathedral a listed building? Yes. It is Grade I listed, the highest level of protection in England. The east and west windows of 1885-97, designed by Burne-Jones, are among its principal listed furnishings. Practical information Address: Colmore Row, Birmingham, in the city's business district. Coordinates: 52.4812 N, 1.8990 W. Visiting time: 30 to 60 minutes is usually enough to see the interior and the windows at an easy pace. Best for: fans of Baroque architecture, Pre-Raphaelite art and wartime history. Frequently asked questions Is St Philip's a Roman Catholic cathedral? No. It is a Church of England cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. Who made the stained glass? Edward Burne-Jones designed the windows, and the glass was made in the circle of William Morris's workshops. Was the building damaged in the war? Yes. It was bombed and gutted in 1940. Restoration finished in 1948, and the windows removed for safety were put back. When did it become a cathedral? In 1905. Before that it was a parish church.

St Dunstan's, Stepney

London

St Dunstan's, Stepney is an Anglican parish church on Stepney High Street, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is one of the oldest church sites in East London, with a history that tradition traces back to the 10th century. Today it is a Grade I listed building and a quiet counterpoint to the modern city around it. What is St Dunstan's, Stepney? Tradition holds that in AD 952 St Dunstan, then Bishop of London and Lord of the Manor of Stepney, founded or re-founded the church, replacing an earlier timber building with one of stone. Dunstan later became the patron saint of bell ringers and metalworkers, and also of Stepney itself. After his canonisation, the church took the dedication to St Dunstan and All Saints, which it still carries. What does the building look like? The present church is the third on the site. It was built mainly in the fifteenth century from Kentish ragstone, although the chancel is about two hundred years older than the rest. The result is a solid, medieval-looking parish church that stands out among the buildings of the High Street. The churchyard around it is a green pause in a dense urban area. Why is it called the Church of the High Seas? Stepney has long been tied to seaborne trade, with sailors, shipwrights and merchants living in the surrounding streets. Because of this, the church became known as the "Church of the High Seas". It is a useful reminder that this part of London grew up around the river and the docks. What is the history of the parish? The original parish of Stepney was enormous. At its greatest it covered about seven square miles and ranked among the largest in Europe. Over time, new parishes were carved out of it. Whitechapel was the first, followed by Bow. The churchyard was extended at its southern end in 1626, after about 4,000 plague victims had filled the ancient burial ground. What happened to the church in modern times? On 12 October 1901 a fire destroyed the vestries and part of the main building. It also destroyed the organ, which had carvings by Grinling Gibbons. In January 1945, during the Second World War, a V2 rocket hit the north-west corner of the churchyard. The top of the tower was damaged and all the window glass was blown out. The church was repaired and continues to serve its congregation, with an Anglo-Catholic tradition of worship. Frequently asked questions Where is St Dunstan's, Stepney? On Stepney High Street, in the Stepney area of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, East London. Who founded the church? According to tradition, St Dunstan founded or re-founded it in AD 952. What is St Dunstan the patron saint of? Bell ringers, metalworkers and Stepney. Is the building protected? Yes, it is Grade I listed. Is it worth a visit? For anyone interested in the medieval and maritime history of East London, yes. It combines a site with roots in the 10th century, a fifteenth-century building and the story of a parish that once covered much of the East End.

St Mary Redcliffe

Bristol

St Mary Redcliffe is the main Church of England parish church of the Redcliffe district in Bristol, and one of the most impressive Gothic buildings in England. It is so large that visitors regularly take it for Bristol Cathedral, even though it is a parish church. What is St Mary Redcliffe? The full name is the Church of St Mary the Virgin. It stands in Redcliffe, on the south side of Bristol's historic centre, a short walk from the harbourside. The building is listed Grade I by Historic England, the highest category of protection available in England. It is regarded as one of the country's finest and largest parish churches and as an outstanding example of English Gothic architecture. How old is the church? The first written reference to a church on this site dates from 1158. The present building took shape over a very long period: construction began in 1185 and work, including restoration and rebuilding, continued until 1872. That span is the reason the church rewards a slow look. Different parts reflect different stages of medieval and later craftsmanship, and the whole was funded largely by the wealth of the surrounding district rather than by a bishop or monastery. Much of the main fabric was paid for by wealthy Bristol merchants in the 14th and 15th centuries, and the spire was rebuilt in 1872 after a fundraising campaign. What is there to see? The exterior and spire. The tower and spire dominate the skyline of Redcliffe and are visible from many points along the harbour and the surrounding streets. The hexagonal North Porch. An unusual, richly decorated entrance, often highlighted on guided tours. The interior. The nave, vaulting and stained glass show how ambitious the project was. Medieval graffiti and details in areas not normally open can be seen on organised tours. Links to maritime Bristol. The church stands in a district tied to the port and its trade, and tours mention connections with John Cabot's 1497 voyage. Practical tips for visitors Allow around 30 to 45 minutes for a self-guided visit, longer if you join a tour. Guided tours of about 90 minutes are offered separately and can include hidden areas; check the church's official website for dates and prices. Opening times can change, particularly around services and events, so confirm them before you go. The church is within walking distance of Bristol Temple Meads station and the harbourside, so it fits easily into a day on foot. Photographers will find the best views of the spire from the surrounding streets and from across the water. Frequently asked questions Is St Mary Redcliffe a cathedral? No. It is a parish church of the Church of England, although its scale leads many tourists to mistake it for Bristol Cathedral. When was it built? A church is first mentioned on the site in 1158. The present building dates from 1185 to 1872. What does Grade I listed mean? It is the highest category of listing given by Historic England, reserved for buildings of exceptional interest. Where is it? In the Redcliffe district of Bristol, England, at roughly 51.448 N, 2.590 W.

Hull Minster

Hull

Hull Minster is the Anglican minster and parish church of Kingston upon Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Until 13 May 2017 it was known as Holy Trinity Church. Today it is one of the city's most significant historic buildings and a natural starting point for exploring Hull's old centre. What is Hull Minster, and why the name? In the English tradition, "minster" is a title given to a church of special standing. This building received it on 13 May 2017, when the former name, Holy Trinity Church, was replaced. The building itself did not change: it still serves as the parish church of Hull, and the new name highlights its role in the life of the city and region. How was the church built? Its roots are medieval. It began as the Chapel of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, a chapel-of-ease to the parish church at nearby Hessle. Construction took place in phases from the late 13th to the early 16th century: the transepts date from around 1300–1320, the choir from around 1340–1370, the nave from around 1380–1420, the upper stages of the tower from around 1490–1520. The work was probably funded by the people of Hull, whose prosperity grew through the wool trade. The transepts are known for their early brickwork, widely regarded as among the finest of its kind in the country. Independence and a famous baptism The Trinity Church Hull Act of 1661 separated the church from the parish of Hessle, receiving royal assent on 20 December that year. In 1759 William Wilberforce, the parliamentarian who campaigned against the slave trade, was baptized here. For anyone interested in the history of abolition, that is one more reason to visit. Restoration and rebuilding In the 18th century the brick walls were covered in stucco. Henry Francis Lockwood restored the church between 1842 and 1845 and removed it. From 1861 Sir George Gilbert Scott, one of the best-known architects of the Victorian era, directed further work. As a result, visitors today can read both the medieval brickwork and the traces of later repairs. What to see and look out for The bulk of the church and its tower, prominent against the city centre. The brick transepts, which stand out among English historic buildings. The interior, where the successive building phases are readable, from the turn of the 14th century to the 15th and 16th. The surrounding old town of Hull, easy to combine with a walk. Frequently asked questions Is Hull Minster the same as Holy Trinity Church? Yes. Until 13 May 2017 the church was called Holy Trinity Church; since then it has been Hull Minster. Where is Hull Minster? In central Kingston upon Hull, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, at roughly 53.74 N, 0.33 W. When was it built? Over a long period, from around 1300 to the early 16th century, with further restoration in the 19th century. Who was baptized here? William Wilberforce, in 1759. Is it a working church? Yes, it is the Anglican parish church of Hull. Before visiting, check the parish's current opening times, as they can vary with services and events.

St Agatha's, Landport

Portsmouth

St Agatha's, Landport is a parish church in the Landport district of Portsmouth, built between 1893 and 1895 and listed Grade II*. It is one of the most unusual churches on England's south coast: a red-brick basilica in the early Christian style, standing today beside a modern shopping street. Where is St Agatha's? The church sits on Marketway, next to the Cascades Shopping Centre, in the heart of Landport (roughly 50.8023 N, 1.0922 W). The contrast is striking: a red-brick basilica rising among contemporary city buildings, only a few steps from the shops. Who built it, and why? The church grew out of the work of Robert Dolling, an Irish Anglo-Catholic priest active in this part of Portsmouth. Residents of Old Portsmouth also contributed donations towards the new building. The architect was Joseph Henry Ball of Southsea, who designed a red-brick church echoing early Christian basilicas, a bold choice for English church building of the period. It opened on 27 October 1895. The ritual practised there led to a dispute with the Bishop of Winchester, Randall Davidson, who refused to license Dolling to officiate at the new church, partly because of his plan to link a third altar with masses for the dead. What can you see inside? The highlight of the interior is the mural in the nave apse, made around 1901 in sgraffito, a technique of incised plaster. It is the work of Heywood Sumner, a friend and follower of William Morris and part of the Arts and Crafts movement. Together with the architecture itself, it helps explain the building's high listed status. What happened later? The church was damaged in the bombing of 1940. In 1964 the Lady Chapel was demolished to allow a road to be widened. The building was later taken over by the Traditional Anglican Communion. Which church does it belong to today? It was built for the Church of England. Today it is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church through the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, a structure for former Anglicans who join Rome while keeping elements of their liturgical tradition. Frequently asked questions Is St Agatha's a listed building? Yes. It is Grade II* listed, a category for particularly important buildings of national interest. When was it built? Between 1893 and 1895, with the opening on 27 October 1895. Who designed it? According to available sources, the architect was Joseph Henry Ball of Southsea. Who painted the apse mural? Heywood Sumner, around 1901, in sgraffito. How do I find it? It stands on Marketway beside the Cascades Shopping Centre in Landport, so it is easy to combine with a trip into the city centre. Which church is it part of now? It is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church via the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Who is it for? Fans of Victorian architecture, the history of the Church in England and Arts and Crafts art. For visitors to Portsmouth it is a rare chance to see a red-brick basilica in the middle of the urban bustle, along with one of Heywood Sumner's notable works on the south coast.

All Saints' Church, Middleton Cheney

Brackley

All Saints' Church in Middleton Cheney is the Church of England parish church of the village of Middleton Cheney in Northamptonshire, England, a few miles from the market town of Brackley. It is listed Grade I, the highest category of protection in England, which places it among the most significant historic buildings in the country. What is the church known for? The most recognisable feature is the tall spire. It crowns a west tower in the Perpendicular style and rises about 150 feet above the village, so it can be seen from the surrounding countryside. The church is also known for its stained glass, with windows linked to Edward Burne-Jones and the Morris workshop, the circle of Arts and Crafts artists who shaped Victorian church decoration. When was it built and what style is it? The main body of the church dates from the early 14th century and belongs to the Decorated phase of English Gothic. Inside, the nave is tall and clerestoried, with aisles on both sides divided from it by four-bay arcades. The south doorway is original. Most of the windows have been renewed over the centuries, so the glazing reflects several periods rather than a single moment. The Perpendicular west tower and spire were added later, giving the building two distinct architectural characters: the earlier Decorated nave and the more vertical, angular tower. In 1865 the church was restored under the architect George Gilbert Scott, one of the leading church architects of the Victorian era. What is the history of the parish? The parish has a long recorded history. William Edington was rector here between 1322 and 1335, a period soon after the church was built. The spire has also had a dramatic past: it was struck by lightning three times in the 18th century, in 1720, 1794 and 1797. Each repair is part of the long story of a building that villagers have maintained for roughly seven hundred years. What should a visitor look for? The spire and Perpendicular tower, best seen from the road approaching the village. The Decorated nave with its four-bay arcades and clerestory. The original south doorway. The stained glass connected with Burne-Jones and Morris. The 15th-century font. Frequently asked questions Is All Saints' Church in Middleton Cheney still used for worship? Yes. It is the active Anglican parish church of the village. What does Grade I listing mean? It is the top tier of England's listed-building system, reserved for buildings of exceptional interest. Only a small share of listed buildings receive it. Where is it? In Middleton Cheney, Northamptonshire, close to Banbury and Brackley, at roughly 52.07 N, 1.27 W. Is it worth a visit? For architecture and stained glass enthusiasts, yes. The combination of a 14th-century interior, a tall medieval spire and Victorian-era glass makes it a rewarding stop in this part of Northamptonshire.

St Mary's Church

London

St Mary's Church is the Church of England parish church of Islington, standing on Upper Street beside Islington Green in north London. Its tower and columned portico are a familiar landmark on one of the borough's busiest streets. The building is Grade II listed, a status Historic England granted in 1954. What is the history of St Mary's Church? Sources place the first church on this site in the 12th century, though that date is an estimate. A larger medieval building replaced it in the 15th century. That church was in turn demolished between 1751 and 1754 and rebuilt in a classical style to designs by Lancelot Dowbiggin. A Portland stone portico with Ionic columns was added to the front in 1903-04. Its architect was Reginald Blomfield, a prolific designer of the period. What survived the Second World War? The church was badly damaged by bombing during the war. Only the tower and portico survived intact; the rest was rebuilt in 1955-56 to designs by Seely and Paget. From the street the church still reads as an 18th-century building, but the interior is largely post-war. What is the churchyard like? The burial ground around the church was enlarged in 1793 and closed to new burials in 1853 once it was full. In 1885 it was laid out as a public garden of about one and a half acres (roughly 0.6 hectares). Today it is a quiet green pocket that contrasts with the restaurants, pubs and theatres of Upper Street. Can you climb the tower? Guided tours include a climb of the tower, which has around 120 steps. From the top you can look out across London, from the Alexandra Palace area to Canary Wharf. Because this is a working parish church with its own services and events, it is worth checking tour dates in advance. How do you get there? The church is in central Islington, a short walk from Angel and Highbury & Islington stations. Many bus routes pass nearby, and the surrounding streets are easy to explore on foot. Frequently asked questions Is St Mary's Church medieval? Not in its current form. The first church here was medieval, but the present building dates from the 18th century and its interior was rebuilt after the war. Who designed it? Lancelot Dowbiggin designed the 1751-54 church, Reginald Blomfield added the portico, and Seely and Paget led the post-war rebuilding. Is the garden free to enter? The churchyard operates as a public garden, so you can sit and rest there freely. Is the church a listed building? Yes, it has been Grade II listed since 1954. How long does a visit take? About half an hour is enough for the facade and garden; a tower tour takes longer.

Paisley Abbey

Paisley

Paisley Abbey is a Gothic parish church of the Church of Scotland in the centre of Paisley, on the east bank of the White Cart Water, about 7 miles west of Glasgow. A former Cluniac priory, it ranks among the most significant medieval buildings in Scotland and is closely tied to the royal House of Stewart. How did the abbey begin? A church from the 8th century is said to have stood on the site before the priory arrived. In 1163 a Cluniac priory was founded here, and the abbey's recorded story begins. The present Gothic building dates from two periods: the 14th century and the 19th century, when parts damaged or neglected over the intervening centuries were rebuilt and completed. The Wars of Independence hit the monastery hard, and recovery took a long time. After the Reformation in the 16th century the monastic community ended. The church became the parish kirk and still serves a congregation today, so a visit means stepping into a working place of worship rather than a museum. Why does it matter in Scottish history? The abbey is often called the cradle of the Royal House of Stewart. Buried here are six High Stewards of Scotland, Princess Marjory Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce, and King Robert III, which makes Paisley one of the country's most important burial places. Tradition also holds that William Wallace was taught by the monks, though that is a tradition rather than a certainty. What to see inside The Gothic nave and architecture, where medieval walls meet 19th-century restoration. Tombs and memorials linked to the Stewarts and medieval Scottish nobility. The Barochan Cross, an early medieval carved stone cross moved into the abbey in 1981 to protect it from the weather. Its date is given variously, from the 8th to the 10th century. The organ, built in the nave in 1874 and among the church's highlights. It has since been moved, rebuilt and enlarged, with the original pipework retained. Planning your visit The abbey sits in the heart of Paisley, a short walk from the town hall and main streets, so it fits easily into a walk around town. Trains from Glasgow take only a few minutes. As this is an active church, opening times can change on service days and event days, so check the parish website before you travel. Allow about 45 minutes to an hour inside. You will get more from the atmosphere if you pause in the quiet of the nave or catch an organ recital. Frequently asked questions Where is Paisley Abbey? In the centre of Paisley, Renfrewshire, on the east bank of the White Cart Water, about 7 miles from Glasgow. When was it founded? In 1163 as a Cluniac priory, on a site said to have held an 8th-century church. Is it still a working church? Yes. After the Reformation it became a Church of Scotland parish church and remains one. Who is buried here? Among others, six High Stewards of Scotland, Princess Marjory Bruce and King Robert III. What is the Barochan Cross? An early medieval carved stone cross that was moved inside the abbey in 1981.

Church of St Mary

Wellingborough

The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Wellingborough is an Anglican parish church on Knox Road, and one of the most remarkable works of Sir Ninian Comper. It is listed at Grade I, the highest category of protection in England, and it is still an active place of worship. What makes this church special? It is a rare example of a large Perpendicular Gothic church built in the twentieth century. Construction began in 1908 and, according to most sources, finished in 1930. The Northamptonshire Historic Environment Record, however, says the building was completed by 1924, so published dates differ slightly. The architect was Sir Ninian Comper, widely admired for his church interiors, and the project was largely financed by the Misses Sharman of Wellingborough. The church belongs to the Anglo-Catholic tradition. Its design and furnishings were shaped by the Oxford Movement and the Victorian revival of ritual in the Church of England. What does it look like outside? The walls are ironstone ashlar with limestone dressings under a lead roof. The massive ironstone tower can be seen from miles around and acts as a landmark for this part of town. What should you look for inside? The interior is the main reason to visit. Comper designed all the internal fittings, which gives the whole church a rare unity. The rood screen is richly decorated in blue and gold. It has a triple outer arcade with matching pairs of inner arches, in an early Renaissance style with Gothic decoration. Above it stands a crucifix flanked by figures of St Mary and St John. A gilded baldacchino over the altar, with a matching altar frontal. An exotic organ case finished in the same gilded manner. A few historical facts The ecclesiastical parish was created by Order in Council on 12 December 1904, taken from the old parish of All Saints. The church was listed on 9 June 1970. Frequently asked questions Where is the church? On Knox Road in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Is it still in use? Yes, it is an active Church of England parish church, so check with the parish about visiting times. Who designed it? Sir Ninian Comper, who also designed its internal fittings. When was it built? Work started in 1908. Completion is usually given as 1930, although the local heritage record suggests 1924. Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade I listed. Who is it for? The church suits anyone interested in sacred architecture, art history, or interiors conceived by a single designer. Combine a visit with a walk around Wellingborough, and take time over the gilded rood screen, which is the most striking feature.

Church of St Luke

The Church of St Luke in Kislingbury, Northamptonshire, is a parish church listed at Grade I, the highest level of protection for historic buildings in England. Its fabric goes back to the 14th century, and later centuries added repairs and rebuilding that remain visible today. Where is the Church of St Luke? The church stands in Kislingbury, a village in Northamptonshire in the English Midlands, within the Diocese of Peterborough. Its coordinates are roughly 52.23 N and 0.98 W. It suits visitors exploring English countryside churches away from the big cities. How old is the building? Historic England dates the core of the church to the 14th century. Work followed in several later phases. Restoration took place around 1700, and the tower was restored in 1717. The body of the church was restored in 1829-30, when the vestry was also added. The spire was rebuilt in 1926. The result is a building that shows layers of history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. What does the architecture look like? The walls are coursed ironstone and limestone, with slate roofs and lead covering the aisles. The plan has a chancel, vestry, nave, north and south aisles, a south porch and a west tower. The Northamptonshire Historic Environment Record describes the style as mainly Decorated, the form of English Gothic typical of the 14th century. A four-bay arcade on octagonal piers separates the nave from the aisles. The chancel's east window has five lights with intersecting ogee tracery. In the south aisle a piscina survives with a cusped ogee hood. What can you see inside? an octagonal font, singled out in descriptions of the church as early as the 19th century, a chest dating from around 1500, an 18th-century brass chandelier, wall monuments from the 18th and 19th centuries. What is in the churchyard? About a metre from the south-west corner of the church stands a chest tomb from the late 18th century. It has its own separate listing at Grade II. Frequently asked questions Is the Church of St Luke a listed building? Yes. It is listed at Grade I, which places it among the most significant buildings in England. What style is the church? Mainly Decorated Gothic from the 14th century, with later alterations. What is notable about the tower? It carries a spire rebuilt in 1926, and the tower itself was restored in 1717. A 19th-century gazetteer also mentions its embattled parapet. When was the vestry added? In 1829-30, during the restoration of the church's body.

Church of St Peter and St Paul

Northampton

Church of St Peter and St Paul stands in Rothersthorpe, a village a short distance outside Northampton, and is the oldest surviving landmark of the settlement. It is a Grade II* listed parish church, which places it among the more significant historic buildings of the county. What is the history of the church? The village has medieval roots, and the church is the main visible trace of that period. Local heritage records place its foundation in the 13th century. Around 1300 the building was extended, and further alterations followed in the 15th century. After that, the church saw little repair for a long time, until a major campaign of work in the early 20th century, carried out in the years around 1910 to 1914. The listing describes the fabric as 13th and 14th century with later restoration. What does the building look like? The church has a traditional English plan. A west tower marks the entrance end, and a south porch leads inside. The nave is lit by a clerestory, the upper row of windows above the arcades, and is flanked by north and south aisles. At the east end sits the chancel, with a chapel on each side. Together these parts show how a modest medieval church grew by stages, with each century leaving its own mark. What is worth seeing inside? Norman font. A font from the Norman period is one of the oldest objects in the church, older than most of the surrounding architecture. Polygonal pulpit. The pulpit is dated 1579 and has a multi-sided form typical of Elizabethan woodwork. 13th-century cross head. This is a rare survivor, linked to a possible medieval churchyard cross. It was found in 1869 and is now kept inside the church. Wartime memorial. A memorial placed by Sywell Aviation Museum remembers the crew of a Wellington bomber that crashed near the village. It consists of a propeller blade together with the flags of the crew members' nations. Outside, the churchyard includes a listed chest tomb near the south chancel chapel. Who looks after it today? The church belongs to the Church of England, in the Diocese of Peterborough. Its parish registers go back to 1562, which makes them a useful source for anyone researching local family history. Frequently asked questions Is the church in Northampton itself? No. It is in the village of Rothersthorpe, just outside the town. How old is it? The church was founded in the 13th century and extended around 1300, with later changes in the 15th century and a large restoration in the early 1900s. Is it listed? Yes, it is a Grade II* listed building. Who is it for? It suits visitors interested in medieval church architecture, local history and family history, as well as anyone curious about the wartime memorial.

Church of St Mary the Virgin, Great Brington

Northampton

The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Great Brington is a parish church in a village in Northamptonshire, in the English Midlands, a few miles from Northampton. It is best known as the burial place of the Spencer family, one of England's most prominent aristocratic dynasties. Why visit? The church is a small treasury of funerary sculpture. The Spencer chapel holds the remains of, or memorials to, twenty generations of the family, down to the 8th Earl Spencer, who died in 1991. For anyone interested in history, architecture or genealogy it is one of the more rewarding stops in the region, and it is quiet and far from the crowds. Who built the Spencer chapel? The family chapel is traced to Sir John Spencer, who acquired the local estate and the patronage of the parish in the early 16th century. He rebuilt the chancel and began the adjoining funerary chapel. He died in 1522 and was buried in the new chapel. Its design is probably credited to Thomas Heritage. The fan vaulting is a deliberate imitation of the vault in Henry VII's chapel at Westminster Abbey. In 1846 the chapel interior was heavily altered by the architect Edward Blore. What tombs can you see? The Spencer monuments span the early 17th century to the 19th. Named sculptors include Jasper Hollemans, Nicholas Stone and John Stone, along with leading neoclassical names such as Nollekens, Flaxman and Chantrey. Look out for the tomb of Robert, 1st Baron Spencer, and his wife Margaret, which Historic England has photographed. The Washington connection The church holds the tomb slab of Laurence Washington, an ancestor of George Washington, the first president of the United States. His younger brother Robert is buried here too. This draws visitors with an interest in American history as well. Frequently asked questions Is the church connected to the Spencer family? Yes. It has been the family's burial place since the 16th century, with a chapel full of monuments. Which Washingtons are buried here? Laurence Washington, ancestor of George Washington, and his brother Robert. When was the Spencer chapel built? Sir John Spencer began it before his death in 1522; it was substantially remodelled in 1846. Is it suitable for a short visit? Yes. It is a modest village church, so a visit usually takes about an hour, especially if you want to study the tombs in the chapel. Check opening times beforehand, since parish churches are sometimes open only on limited days. The surroundings Great Brington sits close to the Althorp estate, long associated with the Spencers, so the church is often combined with a tour of the area. The village has the typical Northamptonshire character, with local stone houses and peaceful lanes, and the church is a natural focus for a stroll. Inside, medieval architecture meets funerary sculpture from successive eras, from the Renaissance to neoclassicism, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in church monuments and the history of the English aristocracy.

St Nicholas Church, Blakeney

North Norfolk

St Nicholas Church in Blakeney is the Anglican parish church of Blakeney, a village on the North Norfolk coast in eastern England. It belongs to the deanery of Holt and the Diocese of Norwich, and it is one of the most distinctive medieval buildings in the area, best known for its two towers. What is special about St Nicholas Church? Most visitors notice the towers first. The main tower stands at the west end, as in most parish churches. A second, much smaller and slimmer tower rises at the east end, beside the chancel. It is too narrow to have been built for bells, and it is traditionally explained as a beacon tower: a light kept there is said to have guided ships towards the harbour at night. Accounts give its height as around 93 feet. The church has a Grade I listing, the highest category in England, awarded for exceptional architectural interest. It was listed in March 1959. The building is therefore regarded as nationally important, not just a local landmark. How old is the church? The church was founded in the 13th century, but most of what you see today comes from the 15th century. At that time Blakeney was a seaport of some importance, and the town's prosperity paid for a large rebuilding. One source dates this major programme to 1434. Of the earlier structure only the chancel survived the work. It is often linked to a nearby Carmelite friary, which may explain why it was spared. What can you see inside? The chancel is the oldest part of the church and its architectural highlight. It has a vaulted ceiling with ribs and, at the east end, an unusual stepped window of seven lancets. Dating of the chancel varies slightly between sources, from the middle to the late 13th century. The chancel also contains several misericords, the small carved ledges on the underside of choir seats. The nave is covered by a hammerbeam roof, a timber structure typical of late medieval East Anglian churches, which gives the main space an open and lofty feel. Like many English churches, St Nicholas lost much of its early decoration and its stained glass during the Reformation in the 16th century. What remains is therefore mostly architecture: stone, timber and proportions rather than richly painted interiors. Frequently asked questions Why does the church have two towers? The larger west tower is the usual church tower. The smaller eastern one is too slender for bells and is traditionally described as a beacon for ships approaching the harbour. Which part of the church is the oldest? The chancel. It is the only part of the original 13th-century building that survived the 15th-century rebuilding. Is St Nicholas Church a listed building? Yes, it has a Grade I listing, given for its exceptional architectural interest. Is it still a working church? Yes. It is the active Anglican parish church of Blakeney, in the Diocese of Norwich. Where is it? In Blakeney, on the North Norfolk coast, at about 52.95 N, 1.02 E.

St Anne's Limehouse

London

St Anne's Limehouse is an Anglican church in Limehouse, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and consecrated in 1730, it is one of the baroque landmarks of East London, recognisable from a distance by its tall tower. What is St Anne's Limehouse? The church was built under the 1711 Act of Parliament, which called for new churches to serve London's growing population. Fifty were planned, but only around a dozen were ever completed. St Anne's is one of Hawksmoor's six great churches in East London and is regarded as his first solo design. It is listed Grade I, the highest level of heritage protection in England. Why look up at the tower? The tower is the church's signature feature. It was reportedly first designed for a rebuilt St Alfege in Greenwich, but as a cost-saving measure the old tower there was kept and the design went to Limehouse instead. For years it served as a navigation landmark for ships heading up the Thames towards the Port of London. It also carries the highest church clock in London. The White Ensign flies from the tower. Tradition holds that Queen Anne granted the privilege because the church stood close to the river and was a convenient place for sea captains to register events at sea. What is the pyramid in the churchyard? A large stone pyramid stands in the churchyard, inscribed "The Wisdom of Solomon". Its origin is not firmly established. One suggestion links it to Hawksmoor's earlier idea for towers at the east end of the church. Fire and restoration On Good Friday 1850 a fire gutted the church and destroyed its contents, including the bells. Only the walls and the tower survived. The architects John Morris and Philip Hardwick carried out the rebuilding. A further major restoration was completed in 1981. Frequently asked questions Who designed St Anne's Limehouse? Nicholas Hawksmoor, a baroque architect who trained under Christopher Wren. When was the church consecrated? In 1730. Is it a working church? Yes, it is an Anglican church. What stands out most about its appearance? The tall clock tower and the pyramid in the churchyard. Is the building protected? Yes, it is Grade I listed, the highest grade in England.