Best of the Spectator Holy Smoke: the historic value of English churches
Jan 25, 2026
Daniel Wilson, historian and creator of Great British Architecture, showcases medieval churches and heritage across England and Wales. He recounts how local church photos grew into a heritage mission. He explores Norfolk's church density, restoration wins and losses, conservation funding, and why everyone should be a tourist in their own neighbourhood.
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Scale Of England's Church Heritage
- England and Wales hold an enormous church heritage with roughly 40,000 places of worship and about 12,000 medieval churches.
- Medieval churches account for 45% of England's Grade I listed buildings, making them uniquely concentrated and highly protected.
Norfolk's Exceptional Church Density
- Norfolk has the highest density of medieval churches for its area anywhere in the world, making it an exceptional region.
- Many Norfolk churches are rarely used for regular services and may only host worship once a month.
Rescue Of St Lawrence's, Gumfreston
- St Lawrence's, Gumfreston near Tenby was declared redundant but rescued by the Friends of Friendless Churches.
- The charity repaired roofs, removed ivy, and whitewashed the tower as traditional protection while conserving medieval wall paintings inside.