A definitive guide to the best surviving examples of monastic buildings that have inspired visitors from across the world for centuries.
A treasury of over 1000 years of architecture and history, this book tells the story of Britain’s most impressive examples of religious buildings, both architecturally and how they shaped an evolving medieval society. Divided into geographical locations within the early British Kingdom, the book features 67 abbeys and priories from England, Scotland and Wales.
From world-famous centres of religion such has Westminster Abbey, to the more quaint example at the Carthusian ‘Mount Grace Priory’ in the North York Moors, explore the huge range of medieval ecclesiastical architecture right across Great Britain. From the rugged highlands of Scotland to Canterbury, Kent, where some of the oldest examples of Christianity can be seen at St Augustine’s Abbey, delve into this book to discover the rich history of a country transforming from its Anglo-Saxon origins in 597 AD into an important religious powerhouse that would last for centuries.
Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries nearly 500 years ago, many buildings fell into ruin and disrepair, while others evolved into more modern churches and cathedrals – but they all continue to attract and inspire pilgrims and visitors to this day. Beautifully illustrated with over 130 colour images and with concise and accessible history for each entry, this guide is the perfect introduction to Britain’s abbeys and priories and a great starting point for planning this summer’s excursions for anyone interested in architecture and heritage.
Rt Rev Dr Stephen Platten is the Assistant Bishop in the dioceses of London, Southwark and Newcastle, a former member of the Cathedrals’ Fabric Commission for England, chairman of Hymns Ancient and Modern and of the governors of the Anglican Centre in Rome. He was formerly the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Secretary for Ecumenical Affairs, Dean of Norwich and Bishop of Wakefield. He is the author of Cathedrals of Britain, also published by Pitkin.
ISBN
9781841659381Title
Abbeys and Priories of BritainAuthor
Stephen PlattenPublisher
PitkinPublication year
2022Binding
PaperbackLanguage
English
