The Catholics and Their Houses - Tapa dura

Reseña del editor

Nowhere is Catholic history more vividly brought to life than in the homes of the landed Catholic gentry. The houses tell of conspiracy, martyrdom and rebellion. This work features 20 of the most important houses where Catholicism refused to die.

Contraportada

Henry VIII's break from Rome in 1534 signalled the beginning of three centuries of turmoil for Catholics in England. Struggling to balance their loyalty to the Crown with their fidelity to the Pope, they suffered intense persecution tempered only by brief periods of respite. It was not until the Catholic Emancipation Act in 1829 that tolerance was officially restored.

Nowhere is Catholic history brought more vividly to life than in the homes of the landed Catholic gentry. These houses tell tales of the conspiracy, rebellion and martyrdom of families whose descendants, in many cases, inhabit them to this day. The buildings themselves are some of the most beautiful and architecturally inspiring in England.

Leanda de Lisle and Peter Stanford have chosen twenty of the most important houses where Catholicism refused to die. In visiting these homes, they have walked in the footsteps of a cast of characters including Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Guy Fawkes. With its stunning new photographs by Richard Surman, 'The Catholics and their Houses' is both an armchair delight and an indispensable guide.

A skilled location photographer, Richard Surman has travelled the world since taking up professional photography in 1978. As well as working on prestigious advertising accounts, he has exhibited at leading galleries in both London and Boston. The author of 'Cathedral Cats, College Cats' and 'Castle Cats', he has also contributed to several books, including 'The Best of James Herriot' and 'Places to Visit in Britain'. He lives with his wife and children in Herefordshire.

"Tolerance does not require us to be blind to past excesses. Indeed it demands the opposite. We have to recognise where we went wrong to ensure that we never do so again. This book allows its readers to dip into a tragic period of history without ever preaching at them. I can heartily recommend it."
HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NORFOLK