The Traveller's Guide to Sacred England
A guide to the legends, lore and landscape of England's sacred places
John Michell
Click to read the Introduction
There are many good guidebooks to England and its various regions and aspects, and this one is not intended to rival or replace any of the others. Its aim is to provide a quietly informative companion to those travellers seeking the ancient spirit of the land.
Recognised as the world authority on ancient science and religion and the symbolism of ancient landscapes, John Michell takes us on an unforgettable journey to ruined abbeys and cathedrals, pagan sites and megalithic temples, shrines of saints and visionaries, holy wells, island sanctuaries, and to a host of other places where peace and sanctity are almost tangible. Some of them are famous, others quiet and secluded, but all are centres of spiritual energy and renewal.
We begin in London with the glories of Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral and all the tiny churches in the City of London. Then on to Canterbury, Durham, Ely and other historic cathedrals; to Glastonbury - 'the holiest ground in England' - where Jesus is said to have visited and Arthur and his queen are buried; to shrines of St Catherine in the south and Saxon lady saints in the Fen Country; to Stonehenge, Avebury and other stone circles; to the holy island of Lindisfarne.
With this guide, travellers can trace ancient patterns in the landscape and discover the wisdom of local legend and lore. A fascinating introduction to centuries of history and tradition, it also shows how much of sacred England has survived, remarkably, despite the depredations of time.
This classic best-selling guidebook is now revised and substantially updated to make a completely new edition. In the same series as The Traveller's Guide to Sacred Ireland, it is an endlessly delightful companion for the 21st Century pilgrim.
Over a period of 40 years JOHN MICHELL wrote more than 22 books before his death in 2009. He was certainly no armchair traveller, and travelled the highways and byways of his native England mainly on foot. He lived in Notting Hill Gate, London, where he tirelessly pioneered new ideas and research. Other books of his published by Gothic Image include The Temple of Jerusalem and New Light on the Ancient Mystery of Glastonbury.
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