Britain's Lost Churches

de Matthew Hyde

Neglected to the elements, renovated for commercial use or demolished completely, many of Britain's beautiful churches have vanished, leaving no trace except photographs or illustrations to mark their existence. Architectural commentator Matthew Hyde travels the length and breadth of the country to seek out and tell the stories of these wonderful buildings, from churches that defy the elements in Orkney to abbeys destroyed in Henry VIII's dissolution programme and the cathedrals that suffered the terrible effects of the Blitz in World War Two. Their architectural heritage and social importance are remembered. Complete with archive photography and illustrations mirroring their glorious past, to personal photography from the author of how many look today, shrouded in undergrowth, left as ruins, and some completely gone forever. It is an emotional and poignant tribute to the many buildings that were at one time, the house of God.