In Search of Norfolk’s First Stone Churches: The use of ferruginous gravels and sands and the reuse of Roman building materials in early churches
By Peter Wade-Martins
BAR Publishing
ISBN: 978 1 4073 6139 0
What materials were used to build churches in the Middle Ages? This book offers a study of 649 churches in the English county of Norfolk, revealing what kind of stone they used, some of which was recycled from Roman buildings.
Publisher’s Overview:
This work takes a fresh look at the evidence for early church building in Norfolk, focusing particularly on how locally available stone and the materials from ruined Roman buildings were reused in Norfolk’s first stone churches. The author first identifies the stones and Roman materials used in early church buildings before limestone ashlar was readily available. A second section reviews and presents survey results from more than 650 churches in the county. Finally, the author presents an illustrated catalogue of the study sites which will serve as a foundational reference for any researcher interested in Norfolk’s ecclesiastical and architectural history. As a result, Wade-Martins revolutionises our understanding of early church buildings in the county, identifying many early buildings which were not previously recognised.
Who is this book for?
Considering this is a local study particularly focused on the stones used in the construction of churches, it won’t have a very large audience. However, this book will be a good piece of research for those interested in church building and is beneficial for those who enjoy exploring England’s medieval churches.
See also this article about the book from the Round Tower Churches Society
The Author
Peter Wade-Martins has worked as archaeologist in Norfolk for over 50 years, including serving as the first Director of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust from 1999 to 2014. He has written several books focusing on the history of his home region.
In Search of Norfolk’s First Stone Churches: The use of ferruginous gravels and sands and the reuse of Roman building materials in early churches
By Peter Wade-Martins
BAR Publishing
ISBN: 978 1 4073 6139 0
What materials were used to build churches in the Middle Ages? This book offers a study of 649 churches in the English county of Norfolk, revealing what kind of stone they used, some of which was recycled from Roman buildings.
Publisher’s Overview:
This work takes a fresh look at the evidence for early church building in Norfolk, focusing particularly on how locally available stone and the materials from ruined Roman buildings were reused in Norfolk’s first stone churches. The author first identifies the stones and Roman materials used in early church buildings before limestone ashlar was readily available. A second section reviews and presents survey results from more than 650 churches in the county. Finally, the author presents an illustrated catalogue of the study sites which will serve as a foundational reference for any researcher interested in Norfolk’s ecclesiastical and architectural history. As a result, Wade-Martins revolutionises our understanding of early church buildings in the county, identifying many early buildings which were not previously recognised.
Who is this book for?
Considering this is a local study particularly focused on the stones used in the construction of churches, it won’t have a very large audience. However, this book will be a good piece of research for those interested in church building and is beneficial for those who enjoy exploring England’s medieval churches.
See also this article about the book from the Round Tower Churches Society
The Author
Peter Wade-Martins has worked as archaeologist in Norfolk for over 50 years, including serving as the first Director of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust from 1999 to 2014. He has written several books focusing on the history of his home region.
You can learn more about this book from the publisher’s website.
You can buy this book on Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
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