- Imprint: Vintage
- ISBN: 9781529928051
- Length: 320 pages
- Price: £12.99
Church Crawling
The Secret Lives and Hidden Stories of England’s Churches
Dominic Sandbrook, author of Who Dares Wins and co-host of The Rest is HistoryA 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
Suzannah Lipscomb, author of Six LivesWritten with astonishing craft, this is a captivating and original telling of the stories of England’s history, geology and theology
Tom Holland, author of Pax and co-host of The Rest is HistoryJust 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!
Alice Loxton, author of EighteenHugely 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
Simon Jenkins, author of A Short History of British ArchitectureA wonderful book, learned and yet enjoyable. Rachel Morley gets to the heart of the parish church. It could have no more faithful friend
James Fox, author of CraftlandAn enchanting voyage through English culture, filled with love, joy and humour. This is a very special book
Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl EarringA delightful, illuminating love song to English churches
Peter Ross, author of Steeple ChasingThis charming and impassioned book celebrates the spirit and material of England’s churches. It is a pleasure to read
Anna Keay, author of The Restless RepublicA shimmering paean to the parish churches of England, sparkling with history, humour and wisdom
Daniel Wilson, Great British ArchitectureUncovering 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
About Rachel Morley
Rachel Morley is a building conservator and Director of the Friends of Friendless Churches, which rescues, repairs and re-opens neglected old churches; under her direction the charity has saved twenty-seven of them. She has served as a judge for the John Betjeman Award for Church Conservation and Repair, and as Chair and Trustee of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. She lives in Bristol.
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All editions
- Hardback 2026
- Paperback 2027
- Ebook 2026
- Audio Download 2026