The ancient churches & cathedrals of England's towns & countryside are among the glories of our national heritage Yet how were our ancestors able to construct these often substantial edifices without the benefit of modern techniques? How did the medieval masons plan design & oversee their construction? What methods of construction were used by the medieval carpenters to realise the magnificent roofs & ceilings we see today? In this unique guide Geoffrey R Sharpe brings forty years experience of caring for historic buildings to show us how from the original planning & preparation to the final construction & decoration In a final chapter the author shows the reader how to assess the history & development of a church from the constructional & architectural clues contained within its features The result is a work that adds a whole new dimension to our understanding of English church building & architecture