Somerset’s churches, and especially their magnificent towers, are internationally famous, but the cost of maintaining them is immense, often far beyond the means of those who attend them. The Friends of Somerset Churches and Chapels is a charity launched ten years ago to help. This commemorative book surveys when and how many of the county’s churches were built, why and how different styles were used and who found the money.

Chapters include a study of the fine stone with which Somerset is so richly endowed; the amazing enthusiasm for church building in the later Middle Ages; the internal changes during the years when church building was not popular; the emergence of Roman Catholic and Nonconformist churches after the years of persecution were over; the restorations and new building of the nineteenth century; and the continuing changes, repairs and re-arrangements of the twentieth. During such modern developments, archaeology and fund-raising play vital roles and this story of Somerset’s churches thus includes advice on funding and encouragement to support the Friends.

This book is written by experts and profusely illustrated by a wide range of colour and black and white photographs, engravings and drawings, together offering an up-to-date study of church architecture and history in Somerset. All profits from sales will help the Friends to help more churches.

Robert Dunning, the editor of the book and author of one of the chapters, has been studying Somerset’s churches for forty years and still finds them infinitely fascinating. He was until recently Editor of the Victoria History of Somerset and has been a Trustee of the Friends from their foundation.

ISBN 978 184114 592 1, hardback, 230x214mm, 144 pages. Published June 2007.

REVIEWS: Yeovil Express, The Church Monuments Society.