Forgotten Churches - by Luke Sherlock (Hardcover)

About the Book

"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. 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."--

Book Synopsis

**THE BESTSELLER**

"One of the most beautiful books I've ever seen." -Rachel O'Brien, @foxglove_and_ivy

Discover England's most beautiful and overlooked churches with Forgotten Churches: Exploring England's Hidden Treasures

For centuries, England's churches have stood as quiet witnesses to history, filled with remarkable craftsmanship, untold stories, and layers of cultural heritage. Yet many of these extraordinary buildings remain overlooked--until now.

Luke Sherlock, or @englishpilgrim, has spent years traveling the length and breadth of England, uncovering hidden architectural gems and sharing their beauty with thousands online. In Forgotten Churches, he invites you on a journey through 70 of the country's most atmospheric churches, from thousand-year-old Saxon chapels and striking Gothic landmarks to hidden Romanesque sanctuaries and ornate Victorian treasures.

From the remote landscapes of Cornwall to the Norfolk fens, the Derbyshire dales and the Somerset hills, Sherlock reveals the forgotten stories of these extraordinary places--of local communities, master builders, and the shifting tides of history--while capturing the magic of stepping into these timeless spaces.

Forgotten Churches is the perfect compendium for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone who finds inspiration in England's vivid and storied past.

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"Beautifully done . . . Whether you're interested in churches or architecture or just English history, it's a great read." - Steven Moore, antiquary and TV presenter

"A really, really beautiful book." - Charlie Cooper, actor, comedian and writer

Review Quotes

'A perfect combination of text and image working together to convey a sense of exploration, discovery and fascination with England's past...Doing for the English church what Robert Macfarlane and others have done for personal Nature writing.'--Timothy Mowl, Country Life

'A truly lovely collaboration between writer and artist; born of expertise, skill and shared passion for these "forgotten churches", and the treasures of craft, knowledge and memory that they hold.'--Robert Macfarlane, author of Underland, Landmarks and The Old Ways

'Beautifully written and illustrated, Forgotten Churches makes me want to embark upon small pilgrimages to all the wonderful places in its pages.'--Peter Ross, author of Steeple Chasing

'Each entry is written in a loose, wayfaring style - a mix of architectural appreciation, spiritual reflection and local lore, all atmospherically illustrated by Ioana Pioaru.'--Laura Freeman, The Times Art Books of 2025

'From St Mary in Fairford to the sublime St Peter in Southease (in Sussex), these short sketches are nearly as much fun as visiting the churches themselves. And the author is a bookseller, which always helps.'--Hereward Corbett, Cotswold Life

'Luke brings his experience and knack for story-telling into print, coupled with the gorgeous artwork of loana Pioaru...Luke's poetic writing will transport you to the cobwebbed rafters and flagstone floors of these national treasures.'--This England

'This is a beautiful book of green footpaths, cool shadows and sunbeams through stained-glass: a lovingly crafted portal to a precious, precarious inheritance.' --Amy Jeffs, author of Storyland, Wild and Saints

About the Author

Luke Sherlock is a writer, pilgrim, and book shop owner with a boundless enthusiasm for heritage and art. There's little he enjoys more than throwing on a backpack, heading off down some unknown footpath and pausing to explore a hushed, ancient church along the way. His writing covers historic landmarks and the landscapes they sit within. Luke grew up exploring the Peak District of Derbyshire, a landscape that inspired his deep yearning to hit the ancient routes that criss-cross England. On social media Luke shares photos of his travels on instagram as @englishpilgrim.

Ioana Pioaru is a Romanian-British artist living in West Sussex, UK. She works with a variety of media, ranging from traditional drawing and printmaking to VR art-making and holography. She has exhibited internationally with both group and solo shows.