A talk on how to read medieval churches by Dr Samantha Harper

Medieval parish churches are often described as treasure houses of architecture and craftsmanship, but they are much more than that. Every stone, window, monument and surviving fragment has a story to tell about the people who worshipped there, the communities they served, and the changing religious beliefs and practices that shaped their lives over centuries.

This talk explores how to read a medieval church as a historical source. What common features do England's medieval parish churches share and why? What do these reveal about the communities that built and used them? What political, social and religious contexts have shaped their construction, alteration, survival and, in some cases, destruction? And what evidence have centuries of change left behind that can help us understand medieval worship, devotion and community life?

Using examples from St Mary's, Lydiard, alongside churches from across the region, this talk will provide a practical toolkit for interpreting the clues hidden within any medieval church, enabling visitors to see familiar buildings with fresh eyes and to better understand the lives of those who built, adorned and worshipped in them.

Description supplied by the event organiser.