Faith Buildings in the City of London: A Guide for the Curious

The square mile of the City of London today has 46 Faith Buildings; each a treasure-house of art and architecture and each with its own distinct character and story. Through previously unpublished archival images and a compelling narrative that demystifies their architectural history, this book asks what do we want these buildings to be, what and who are they for, and why should we care about them? By exploring them through the seasons, we are invited to get to know these precious places better and to consider the fundamental question, what is it that makes space sacred? The most elusive and emotive of architectural qualities, atmosphere, is used uniquely here to address this question, and to better understand the significance of this fascinating group. Uncovering their personalities, histories and architectural qualities, the reader is invited to take a journey of reflection and discovery, and to see through fresh eyes a set of spaces handed to us by the ancestors, that reside in and encapsulate our shared collective memories, and that have been there all along, hidden in plain sight and waiting for you, just one step away from the busy city streets.