The Old Rectory: The Story of the English Parsonage
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Review
A fascinating list of interesting or famous people down the ages who have either lived in or been associated with parsonages --Parson & Parish, Summer 2010
Jennings has produced an excellently presented and beautifully illustrated story of the history of the English parsonage --Historic House, September 2010
Jennings has produced an excellently presented and beautifully illustrated story of the history of the English parsonage --Historic House, September 2010
Product Description
This is a comprehensive survey of the social, historical and architectural importance of the English parsonage and its future. Traditional English rectories and vicarages, sold out of service by the Church, have become uniquely desirable to property buyers and are now cherished by their new private owners. They combine many coveted qualities: their fine architecture, their air of civilization, their charm and character, the traditional values and quality of essential 'Englishness' which they evoke; their large gardens and often splendidly rural locations. Despite their historical, social and architectural importance, there is no comprehensive book about them currently in print. This book examines the place of rectories and vicarages in the history of the Church and of this country, and traces their evolution through the centuries. It looks at their many and varied styles of architecture, profiling some individual houses and highlighting some of the most architecturally outstanding and interesting ones. It is handsomely illustrated with quality color and black-and-white photographs. Although rectories and vicarages have had their ups and downs throughout history, the period from the early twentieth century to the present day has posed perhaps the greatest challenge: why, if they are so desirable, has the Church been selling off its finest houses? "The Old Rectory" examines the contribution to our culture made by the clerical families who occupied these houses, and looks at some of the famous people (and eccentrics) who have been associated with them.
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Format:Hardcover
The scope of Anthony Jennings' book is wide, describing the dwellings built to house the clergy from the medieval period, when the Lord of the Manor required a priest to minister to his feudal flock, to the present day. Old rectories are very popular for buyers of homes in the country, giving the book broad appeal. The author demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the history of developments in the church and its institutions, as well as the architectural styles which have evolved over the centuries.
The book is brought to life by the description of many parsonages from all the major periods, with a wide spread of illustrations, personal comments and quotations. The author's erudition is worn lightly, allowing the detail to be relieved by amusing asides when occasions arise, for example the anecdotes about eccentric incumbents.
Included also in the book is an eloquent commentary on the "great sell-off" of parsonages by the church authorities, with a conservative estimate of 5000 buildings being sold since the 1960's, leaving only around 700 pre-1939 parsonages in church ownership today.
The market in the 21st century places a high value on these properties, but alas, not the bureaucrats in charge of diocesan finances. The archetypal "rambling rectory" may not be suited to a modern vicar, but with imaginative modernisation or suitable conversion by dividing the building into spaces for different uses (for example, retired clergy, holiday lets, parish offices, etc.), a key part of the fabric of the community could be retained for the benefit of the community, rather than being lost forever to private ownership.
In summary, this book is rich in information, and is entertaining to read. It should appeal to anyone interested in the rich heritage of church buildings which we are fortunate to have in this country, despite in many cases the loss of their original function.
The book is brought to life by the description of many parsonages from all the major periods, with a wide spread of illustrations, personal comments and quotations. The author's erudition is worn lightly, allowing the detail to be relieved by amusing asides when occasions arise, for example the anecdotes about eccentric incumbents.
Included also in the book is an eloquent commentary on the "great sell-off" of parsonages by the church authorities, with a conservative estimate of 5000 buildings being sold since the 1960's, leaving only around 700 pre-1939 parsonages in church ownership today.
The market in the 21st century places a high value on these properties, but alas, not the bureaucrats in charge of diocesan finances. The archetypal "rambling rectory" may not be suited to a modern vicar, but with imaginative modernisation or suitable conversion by dividing the building into spaces for different uses (for example, retired clergy, holiday lets, parish offices, etc.), a key part of the fabric of the community could be retained for the benefit of the community, rather than being lost forever to private ownership.
In summary, this book is rich in information, and is entertaining to read. It should appeal to anyone interested in the rich heritage of church buildings which we are fortunate to have in this country, despite in many cases the loss of their original function.
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