Somerset Churches & Chapels - Building, Repair and Restoration
Edited by Robert Dunning

This book marks the tenth anniversary (2007) of the setting up of 'The Friends of Somerset Churches and Chapels', a trust that is designed to help congregations keep their historic buildings in good repair and working order. It is not simply a list of the county's unrivalled heritage of beautiful church buildings, but tells the story of how they were built, the materials that were used and the ways in which they were altered and adapted through the ages to meet changes both theological and fashionable. It recounts the burgeoning of non-conformist and dissenting congregations and the resurgence of Roman Catholicism. Throughout the book there are beautiful illustrations - medieval gems such as All Saints, Sutton Bingham, the riches of the 18th and 19th centuries, Blessed Virgin Mary at Berkley and the Gothic Revival, St John the Baptist, Bridgwater, the grandeur of Downside Abbey and the simplicity of the Friends Meeting House at Long Sutton Under the editorship of Robert Dunning, the chapters were contributed by various experts and the book is a fascinating, interesting and varied 'read'. It also contains a practical account of the trust's work and useful information on accessing funding for church maintenance and repair. The price of the book is £14.99 (postage and packing extra) and it is available from: Hugh Playfair, Blackford House Blackford, Nr Yeovil Somerset, BA22 7EE Tel/Fax: 01963 440611 Email: bijpg@tiscali.co.uk