Stephen Friar

The Companion to Local History is the most comprehensive single-volume guide published to local history, archaeology, architecture and landscape. In an easy-to-use A-Z format, it answers many of the questions that arise in the course of local history research and travel and provides a starting point for further enquiries. From each of the major entries, a detailed system of cross-referencing leads on to subsidiary entries exploring related topics or defining specialised terms. Major entries also include guides to further reading and the addresses of major organisations of interest to local historians are included in an appendix. For this edition the author has updated the entire work, adding new entries, correcting errors and improving the illustrations.

An essential part of the fabric of our ancient churches, castles and houses, in documents, and on monuments and stained glass, heraldry represents a treasure house of information for both the historian and genealogist. However, it is an aspect of this area of research which is often avoided due to its apparent complexity and inaccessibility. Here Stephen Friar presents the subject in simple English, explaining its origins and significance in the lives of noble families, the interpretation of heraldic devices, and the symbols themselves. With over 100 photographs, line drawings, and colour illustrations, this volume provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject.

A comprehensive, fully illustrated A-Z guide to the English and Welsh parish church, dating from the post Roman period to the present day. Subjects covered include architecture, fitting an furnishings, traditions and customs, ecclesiastical history, and the role of the church in its community.

Over one thousand castles were built in the century following the Norman Conquest. Most were constructed in the wake of the Conquest itself by the Norman lords and their allies as they took possession of their lands. A castle was a fortified feudal residence, a symbol of a lord's power and authority and the instrument of regional domination: administrative, judicial and military. Very few castles remain unaltered from when they were first built and none fits neatly into any particular category. Many have succumbed to the ravages of siege warfare, abandonment and despoliation, especially in the aftermath of the English Civil War. Some have been entirely rebuilt and most have been remodelled many times, according to the current military, domestic and architectural fashion. For several there is evidence of continuous occupation from the twelfth century to the present day. Stephen Friar has a encyclopedic knowledge of all aspects of castles as well as the ability to place issues within a historical context and explain them succinctly and clearly for the non-specialist. From quadrangular castles to shell keeps, garderobes and gargoyles to tournaments, and anarchy to zig-zag moulding, this detailed A to Z reference book, with its lavish illustrations, index of castles and lists of addresses and further reading, is essential for anyone interested in medieval castles.

Even in this predominantly secular age, Britain’s cathedrals remain potent symbols of religious continuity. Their purpose was to reveal God’s majesty, to declare the supremacy of the Church and the devotion of the men who built them. They were intended, literally, to be awesome. Similarly, our medieval abbeys, most of them sad remnants of a glorious past, serve to remind us of the dedication of those who aspired to the monastic ideal. No two cathedrals or abbeys are alike in their conception, location, construction or history, and it is this that gives them their limitless appeal. This comprehensive volume contains over 1,450 entries arranged alphabetically, together with lists of useful addresses and further reading, and is richly illustrated with colour and black and white photographs, plans and drawings. A wealth of subjects including architecture, liturgy, history and monasticism are covered in detail and assist in placing research in a wider historical context.

An encyclopedic A-Z of British local history, archaeology, architecture and topography, covering every aspect of our heritage. This book should prove of interest to amateur historians, ramblers, browsers and professional historians. Stephen Friar is a writer and former head teacher who specializes in the topics of heraldry and local history. He is also the author of "A New Dictionary of Heraldry".

An introduction to heraldry for the layman. It begins with the history, which touches on crucial moments and figures in the past such as the Crusaders, the Black Prince, Richard III and the Battle of Bosworth , Henry VIII and his wives and children. It describes the colourful medieval tournaments, the orders of chivalry such as the Garter and the Bath and peerage. Also examined are the distinctive Scottish, Welsh and Irish systems of heraldry, some Continental examples and the American inheritance. There is also an informed analysis of the elements in a coat of arms: the shield, tinctures, charges, helm and crest. All this is complemented with drawings which cover every aspect and period of the subject from a Roman standard to the coat of arms of President Eisenhower.