Church Crawling

A glorious journey into England’s past, written with infectious wit, flair and passion. This isn’t just an exploration of England’s churches; it’s a book about history and memory, ghosts and relics, full of extraordinary stories and unforgettable characters. It’s a work of rare historical insight and dazzling poetic beauty. I loved it – Dominic Sandbrook, author of Who Dares Wins and co-host of The Rest is History
Rachel Morley[‘s] excellent collection of tales about our nation’s churches … is awash with interesting nuggets … a fascinating book, charmingly illustrated * The Times *
Glorious … as [Rachel Morley’s] new book so persuasively argues, churches are much more than medieval walls and a bell tower; they are numinous spaces that contain traces of the lives of the people who once worshipped there over hundreds of years … Together, they serve as an extraordinarily rich crucible of English social and spiritual history * Telegraph *
Wonderful … a highly individual and illuminating exploration of our parish churches and the many stories they have to tell us … [Morley] cares deeply about our precious legacy of twelve thousand-plus parish churches, almost every one of which contains something of interest, and most of which have a great deal more to offer in terms of beauty, heritage, architecture and history. Morley is alive to all of this, and her book is not only learned and wide-ranging but eloquent and heartfelt * Literary Review *
This charming guide … makes a convincing argument that [churches] are the key to English art, architecture, the national character and even the language – Harry Mount * Spectator *
Cleverly converts the delights of discovery into a cumulative and purposeful argument about why we should cherish these buildings and what makes them so special … an engaging mix of autobiography, literary reference and analysis … perfect for the bedside … an absorbing read … Morley writes beautifully * Country Life *
Written with astonishing craft, this is a captivating and original telling of the stories of England’s history, geology and theology – Suzannah Lipscomb, author of Six Lives
Just as the Lorax spoke for the trees, so Rachel Morley speaks for the churches of England. To read her enchanting book is to be granted the chance to share in her love for them: a wonderful thing indeed! – Tom Holland, author of Pax and co-host of The Rest is History
Hugely enjoyable – I read it in one sitting. This is a thrilling, brilliant book which will make you see these beautiful buildings with new eyes. As churches face growing crises, Church Crawling will be one of the most important books you’ll read this year – Alice Loxton, author of Eighteen
A wonderful book, learned and yet enjoyable. Rachel Morley gets to the heart of the parish church. It could have no more faithful friend – Simon Jenkins, author of A Short History of British Architecture
An enchanting voyage through English culture, filled with love, joy and humour. This is a very special book – James Fox, author of Craftland
A delightful, illuminating love song to English churches – Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring
A shimmering paean to the parish churches of England, sparkling with history, humour and wisdom – Anna Keay, author of The Restless Republic
Rachel Morley is perfectly placed to write on her subject … her book is wonderful and deserves a wide readership * Church Times *
This charming and impassioned book celebrates the spirit and material of England’s churches. It is a pleasure to read – Peter Ross, author of Steeple Chasing
Uncovering the collective memory imbued into the walls of our churches, Morley casts new light on these precious buildings. After reading Church Crawling you will never look at a church in the same way again – Daniel Wilson, Great British Architecture
Rachel Morley holds a lantern to the mysteries of England’s churches, illuminating their secret histories. An eloquent, witty, and thoughtful guide, she shows the astonishing strata these sites hold, and all they reveal of generations of human life. Meticulously researched and deeply felt, this is a wondrous book to read and reread – I cherish it – Doireann Ní Ghríofa, author of A Ghost in the Throat

Rachel Morley is a building conservator and Director of the Friends of Friendless Churches, an organization dedicated to rescuing, repairing, and re-opening neglected old churches. Under her leadership, the charity has successfully saved twenty-seven churches. She has experience as a judge for the John Betjeman Award for Church Conservation and Repair, and has served as Chair and Trustee of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Rachel is also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. She resides in Bristol.

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