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Forgotten Churches: Exploring England's Hidden Treasures: The Sunday Times Bestseller
Spending his weekends exploring historic churches across the idyllic English countryside – and sharing their beauty and unsung history across social media – Luke Sherlock is bringing English history and the heritage of our rural countryside to a new audience.
England is full of incredible churches, from small stone chapels and quiet Romanesque masterpieces, to thousand-year-old Saxon stalwarts, dramatic Gothic monuments and high Victorian treasures. These special places, often under-celebrated and overlooked, dot the English landscape but collectively tell a remarkable story of our nation.
Travelling to all corners of England – from the Kent marshlands to the Norfolk fens, Somerset lanes and beyond – Sherlock carefully documents these unique buildings, celebrating their histories and decoding their hidden meanings. Bringing together 70 of the most unusual, intriguing and atmospheric of England’s churches, Sherlock tells stories of craftsmanship and local community, whilst centering these buildings at the heart of our national story and revealing their forgotten secrets and cultural significance.
England is full of incredible churches, from small stone chapels and quiet Romanesque masterpieces, to thousand-year-old Saxon stalwarts, dramatic Gothic monuments and high Victorian treasures. These special places, often under-celebrated and overlooked, dot the English landscape but collectively tell a remarkable story of our nation.
Travelling to all corners of England – from the Kent marshlands to the Norfolk fens, Somerset lanes and beyond – Sherlock carefully documents these unique buildings, celebrating their histories and decoding their hidden meanings. Bringing together 70 of the most unusual, intriguing and atmospheric of England’s churches, Sherlock tells stories of craftsmanship and local community, whilst centering these buildings at the heart of our national story and revealing their forgotten secrets and cultural significance.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2025
97 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 22, 2025
A lovely, lovely book! I was fortunate to grow up in a Presbyterian church building that is pretty old for these parts (Pacific Northwest, 100 years!). In the sanctuary was a full wall of stained glass. Now I wonder how it shaped my sense of the importance of beauty in the Christian life. I was also blessed to see churches in England when I studied abroad but it never occurred to 19-year-old me to think about the church buildings themselves as both history and beauty. This book makes me long to hop on a plane and systematically visit all Luke's churches on a contemplative pilgrimage to soak in both history and beauty. I imagine Elizabeth Goudge beside me on this pilgrimage as my Virgil or George MacDonald since reading Goudge always awakens my soul to the sacramental nature of place, especially sacred places. This book would be an invaluable guide for any England-bound traveler who loves out-of-the-way places with hidden gems.
The book itself is divided into nine chapters. The first chapters give a chronological progression of church architecture that traces England's history as well. I've never read a book about architecture, so a lot of the terminology was over my head, but I was fascinated by it nonetheless. Churches were built with such symbolic attention. The latter chapters explore unique objects in churches and churches with particular atmosphere. Each church is given an absolutely gorgeous black and white illustration by artist Ioana Pioaru. The book would be worth it for the illustrations alone. They're so intricate and give a sense for each church with its treasures. The essay for each church is brief so I made it a habit to read about three churches a day. I'll miss this going forward and plan to leave the book out on my shelves for display, so that I can pick it up any time and remember that beauty exists in many forms.
The book itself is divided into nine chapters. The first chapters give a chronological progression of church architecture that traces England's history as well. I've never read a book about architecture, so a lot of the terminology was over my head, but I was fascinated by it nonetheless. Churches were built with such symbolic attention. The latter chapters explore unique objects in churches and churches with particular atmosphere. Each church is given an absolutely gorgeous black and white illustration by artist Ioana Pioaru. The book would be worth it for the illustrations alone. They're so intricate and give a sense for each church with its treasures. The essay for each church is brief so I made it a habit to read about three churches a day. I'll miss this going forward and plan to leave the book out on my shelves for display, so that I can pick it up any time and remember that beauty exists in many forms.
May 7, 2025
Beautiful, calming, and informative.
January 5, 2026
I have never enjoyed non-fiction so much! what is essentially a series of descriptions of churches really has no right to be as good as this is. what a beautiful love letter to england’s churches and mourning of the art lost to the reformation’s iconoclasts. I surprised myself by enjoying the descriptions of churches in east anglia and the fens the most, and remembering the beautiful rood screen and imposing crucifix at my childhood church. sherlock’s definition of a pilgrimage as being a journey of intention and not duration was also very inspiring. and the illustrations!! a delight of a book.
October 23, 2025
‘This book isn’t perfect’ would be an odd way to begin a review of something you’ve just given five stars. How about ‘this book isn’t perfect, but it’s not the books fault it’s mine’. It’s my fault for never having properly appreciated the incredible social, historical and heritage value of churches. It’s my fault for not being in each church as I read about it. It’s my fault for somehow, in my non-religious way feeling I did not belong in those churches.
It’s also Henry VIII’s fault for doing so much damage to irreplaceable history and art, but that horse has bolted.
Why when we go to a new place, do we look at the castle and the manor house, but not the church? The church is more likely to be untouched by modernity. From now on, I promise to pay more attention to churches. In a changing society, they are a constant that sometimes reach back 1000 or more years into history. This book really open my eyes. Thank you, Luke Sherlock. And Ioana Pioaru for the beautiful illustrations.
It’s also Henry VIII’s fault for doing so much damage to irreplaceable history and art, but that horse has bolted.
Why when we go to a new place, do we look at the castle and the manor house, but not the church? The church is more likely to be untouched by modernity. From now on, I promise to pay more attention to churches. In a changing society, they are a constant that sometimes reach back 1000 or more years into history. This book really open my eyes. Thank you, Luke Sherlock. And Ioana Pioaru for the beautiful illustrations.
July 9, 2025
This lovely book contains the author’s observations about various churches he visited in England, particularly historic architectural and artistic details. The author’s observations are accompanied by beautiful detailed illustrations. This book is a wonderful keepsake which I’m sure I will refer to again on future “staycations”
April 2, 2025
Inspiring introduction into the windswept churches that dot the English landscapes.
An encouragement into discovery of the many many forgotten buildings, once hubs of community & spirituality, that wait silently for pilgrims to rediscover their ancient walls and the stories they hold.
At the ends of overgrown lanes, nestled in forests and atop hills, these monuments towards centuries of history arguably present the last remnant of the idyllic English countryside.
An encouragement into discovery of the many many forgotten buildings, once hubs of community & spirituality, that wait silently for pilgrims to rediscover their ancient walls and the stories they hold.
At the ends of overgrown lanes, nestled in forests and atop hills, these monuments towards centuries of history arguably present the last remnant of the idyllic English countryside.
August 16, 2025
I’ve been following the author of this book for a while on Instagram and as soon as he said that he had written a book, I wanted it.
Each gem of an old church is lovingly described, with its historical significance, architectural details, and atmosphere. The drawings are beautiful (I’d’ve loved it if his photographs had been included but that would’ve made the book too expensive).
I’ve visited about a quarter of the churches in the book at some point in my life (along with many others that are not listed) and I always enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of ancestors who worshipped there.
The book is beautifully crafted as well as lovingly written. I’d have liked to see more history and architecture in it but I think it’s an excellent introduction for people who are new to the subject.
Each gem of an old church is lovingly described, with its historical significance, architectural details, and atmosphere. The drawings are beautiful (I’d’ve loved it if his photographs had been included but that would’ve made the book too expensive).
I’ve visited about a quarter of the churches in the book at some point in my life (along with many others that are not listed) and I always enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of ancestors who worshipped there.
The book is beautifully crafted as well as lovingly written. I’d have liked to see more history and architecture in it but I think it’s an excellent introduction for people who are new to the subject.
June 13, 2025
“These buildings are a spiritual inheritance, whether we come to them with faith or not. Previous generations poured their creativity, determination and love into the fabric of them. As such, they are imbued with the emotions of centuries of faith and community life. We would do well to remember how central they are to our story.”
”I’m going to the north Kent marshes to see a door,”
“I tread the footpaths to these churches in all weathers of emotion. Sometimes, I know I must go. When I least have the energy to do so, when overwhelmed by the world, lost in its roar. Off I go to some little train station, some tangled country lane, and make my way to commune with the old stones, to run my hand over smooth worn wood, to better know the human hopes and grief blotted into these places. Somehow, I always feel a little better for it.”
“The ages whisper on.”
”I’m going to the north Kent marshes to see a door,”
“I tread the footpaths to these churches in all weathers of emotion. Sometimes, I know I must go. When I least have the energy to do so, when overwhelmed by the world, lost in its roar. Off I go to some little train station, some tangled country lane, and make my way to commune with the old stones, to run my hand over smooth worn wood, to better know the human hopes and grief blotted into these places. Somehow, I always feel a little better for it.”
“The ages whisper on.”
November 8, 2025
Well apparently I'm a church crawler - who knew there's a collective!
I wanted to read this book for AGES, since it was released and what a beautiful book it is.
Part travel diary, part history guide, Forgotten Churches shows us just how important our church buildings are. Not only for our faith, but for our history, culture and also as places of peace and quiet contemplation.
The book is also illustrated by the amazing Ioana Pioaru. Whose detailed ink drawings of the churches and the beautiful treasures inside are on each page spread.
I'm so glad I persevered and managed to nab this wonderful book. I'm hoping Luke Sherlock will make another one (especially if he visits the North East...as we have so many treasures here waiting to be explored.)
I wanted to read this book for AGES, since it was released and what a beautiful book it is.
Part travel diary, part history guide, Forgotten Churches shows us just how important our church buildings are. Not only for our faith, but for our history, culture and also as places of peace and quiet contemplation.
The book is also illustrated by the amazing Ioana Pioaru. Whose detailed ink drawings of the churches and the beautiful treasures inside are on each page spread.
I'm so glad I persevered and managed to nab this wonderful book. I'm hoping Luke Sherlock will make another one (especially if he visits the North East...as we have so many treasures here waiting to be explored.)
October 9, 2025
I read only the entries of churches I could or have visited. Interestingly, the nearest one to me, at Berkeley, is one I haven’t been to except for a wedding many years ago, so I will go there soon.
A flaw of the ebook was that the illustrations appeared above the next entry, so I was misled as to what they referred to sometimes. Not what I would have expected.
A flaw of the ebook was that the illustrations appeared above the next entry, so I was misled as to what they referred to sometimes. Not what I would have expected.
April 24, 2025
I've been following Luke Sherlock's brilliant Instagram page for a while now, and this, his first book, is an absolutely beautiful guide to some of England's forgotten churches, which in their totality make up a rich cultural heritage. The illustrations by Ioana Pioaru are stunningly realised.
September 15, 2025
I´m glad I bought the book in Luke Sherlock´s lovely bookshop during my holiday in England. His book is a little gem: beautifully edited, with exquisite drawings, and an informative text. An incentive to start visiting some of these churches!
August 9, 2025
Thank you so much to Quatro Group and Edelweiss for the advance copy! As always all opinions shared here are 100% my own.
This is a very beautiful, serene book that in my opinion would make for a great coffee table book for architecture and history lovers. A lovely tribute to churches, big and small, that are hiding all over England. The author takes the reader on virtual pilgrimages to each of the churches and shares a small snippet about their history, their architecture or a personal story with the church.
The only thing I found myself wishing for was more illustrations. While each church gets one gorgeous, gorgeous illustration, there are times when the author describes another view of the church or a particular element of its architecture that may not be present in the attached illustration. But, also, I fully understand that's not possible. The number of illustrations attached, and their quality, must have taken a long time and cost a lot!
If you're interested in beautiful historic buildings, architecture or history, this is a lovely book to own.
You can also find me on: Instagram
This is a very beautiful, serene book that in my opinion would make for a great coffee table book for architecture and history lovers. A lovely tribute to churches, big and small, that are hiding all over England. The author takes the reader on virtual pilgrimages to each of the churches and shares a small snippet about their history, their architecture or a personal story with the church.
The only thing I found myself wishing for was more illustrations. While each church gets one gorgeous, gorgeous illustration, there are times when the author describes another view of the church or a particular element of its architecture that may not be present in the attached illustration. But, also, I fully understand that's not possible. The number of illustrations attached, and their quality, must have taken a long time and cost a lot!
If you're interested in beautiful historic buildings, architecture or history, this is a lovely book to own.
You can also find me on: Instagram
November 18, 2025
I’ll start by saying that I follow Luke on Instagram and enjoy his content a lot (and think he comes across as a very nice man), so I don’t come to this book completely objectively. That being said, as someone who isn’t a church botherer (yet!) and has very little knowledge of ecclesiastical architecture, I wasn’t sure how I’d get on with this. But I really enjoyed it! The personal side notes and anecdotes feel natural and necessary to a reader who doesn’t have much knowledge in the field. And when explaining the melding of many centuries of craftsmanship, ritual, and lore that exists in all churches, Luke’s writing is clear and accessible. I deducted one star because I wish there was more of the nature writing Luke hints at, but doesn’t explore fully, which I think would provide a clearer narrative drive to the book. Otherwise, I think this is accomplished, and has definitely encouraged me to get out and explore some churches!
May 3, 2025
A beautiful book inside and out, that explores the hidden treasures of the church world according to the author who really brings them to life on the page, alongside some stunning illustrations!
He looks at the way the buildings fit into the landscape and the wonderful history behind the interiors. a lot of these are off the beaten track, so it really became his own little pilgrimage in finding them all to share with us and the peace it often bought to his life in exploring them all. A lovely book that makes you take notice more of the little details and wanting to find out more of the history of these churches.
He looks at the way the buildings fit into the landscape and the wonderful history behind the interiors. a lot of these are off the beaten track, so it really became his own little pilgrimage in finding them all to share with us and the peace it often bought to his life in exploring them all. A lovely book that makes you take notice more of the little details and wanting to find out more of the history of these churches.
June 2, 2025
A really fascinating book about some of the more off-the-beaten track churches across England. It's filled with interesting insights into their most unique features (from memento mori to doors) as well as particularly momentous events in their history. The text is complemented extremely well by beautifully detailed illustrations by artist Iona Pioaru. I read the book front-to-back this time, but will certainly be dipping in-and-out in the future to revisit places when I have an opportunity to go see them myself. I've already visited the Watts Chapel after reading about it in this book! 4.5 stars.
January 15, 2026
A number of reviews begin with "this is a beautiful book" and that it is. The meticulous illustrations are beautiful too. I just cannot pinpoint why it did not quite hit the mark with me, I love visiting old churches, imagining the congregations that worshipped there over centuries and feeling sad as they begin to fall into disuse and disrepair. I think my main issue is that the text felt like journal entries which, although well written, had me turning to the author's instagram pages or the internet to find out more. I hope lots of people pick up and read this book and are inspired to visit rural churches and realise how important and valuable they are to the country's heritage.
March 29, 2025
A beautiful book. Not a topic I’d naturally gravitate towards, but I enjoy the author’s online content and wanted to support their endeavours.
So glad that I did. Not only is the book beautifully illustrated, it’s whimsical and insightful. I adored the informal approach to its structure. I’m now feeling inspired to get out in the spring sunshine and have a deeper appreciation of the deep rooted history we sometimes forget is all around us.
So glad that I did. Not only is the book beautifully illustrated, it’s whimsical and insightful. I adored the informal approach to its structure. I’m now feeling inspired to get out in the spring sunshine and have a deeper appreciation of the deep rooted history we sometimes forget is all around us.
March 28, 2025
This is a beautiful book. Well presented, and with stunning illustrations. While it's a reference book, it's also a book you can sit and read cover to cover as it takes you on a journey across the length and breadth of the country. Some wonderful prose, and amazing details. A really nice addition to my bookshelves
August 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this read! The illustrations were a pleasant surprise; I wasn't sure how I felt about them over photographs, but I quickly grew to love them and thought they were perfect accompaniments to the text.
This is a great compilation of churches and the author does a good job at capturing each and his reflections therein.
This is a great compilation of churches and the author does a good job at capturing each and his reflections therein.
November 23, 2025
Fascinating & Insightful
A very well written and fascinating look at some of the many churches of England. The author does well to cover so many alongside some beautiful illustrations, however I did feel like I could have done with a bit more history on some. Overall very insightful and definitely made me think plenty
A very well written and fascinating look at some of the many churches of England. The author does well to cover so many alongside some beautiful illustrations, however I did feel like I could have done with a bit more history on some. Overall very insightful and definitely made me think plenty
January 4, 2026
it's been an unrushed journey with these pages...
I've always loved the old church buildings in the UK.
this book re-awakened a desire to explore more of them.
I've saved some mentioned in the book.
and going forward, I won't rush by an old church, whether on a drive, a walk or a run.
imagine the stories those old stones would tell...
the miracles and love they have witnessed...
I've always loved the old church buildings in the UK.
this book re-awakened a desire to explore more of them.
I've saved some mentioned in the book.
and going forward, I won't rush by an old church, whether on a drive, a walk or a run.
imagine the stories those old stones would tell...
the miracles and love they have witnessed...
April 21, 2025
Beautiful book. The layout, style of writing through to the illustrations. It’s a book I haven’t read cover to cover, but one I keep picking up and looking at and reading about another beautiful church dotted around the country.
June 14, 2025
I gave it five stars many would give it none, liking churchs is a minority sport, I have taken people to see some and they are board out of their tree about them. the book is just a collection of nice ones, ones I intended to visit as anc when I can.
December 25, 2025
A Christmas present which I simply can't put down yet. Glorious. If, like me, you have been enthused by passionate landscape historians such as Liddiard, Spooner and Gregory, or just love discovering the English countryside, then this is a must read.
May 16, 2025
Stunning illustrations and fascinating history. The personal reflections were a bit tiresome.
May 18, 2025
Gentle, thoughtful, informative.
June 27, 2025
4.25
August 21, 2025
Such an interesting book and full of amazing ink drawings. It’s like being on a trip through time in the UK!
Really enjoyed this book and it will remain on my “Precious Books” shelf!
Really enjoyed this book and it will remain on my “Precious Books” shelf!
August 30, 2025
A beautiful book. I found this in the church bookstore in Bath Abbey. I enjoyed reading this history of these churches and what makes each of these special
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews