A comprehensive, fully illustrated A-Z guide to the English and Welsh parish church, dating from the post Roman period to the present day. Subjects covered include architecture, fitting an furnishings, traditions and customs, ecclesiastical history, and the role of the church in its community. AUTHOR: Stephen Friar is a writer and historian. His previous books include A Companion to Heraldry, The Companion to Churches, The Companion to Castles and The Sutton Companion to Local History. He lives in Painswick, Gloucestershire.