New for Spring 2013 -in association with The Broad Gauge Society and The Friends of Devon's Archives - published 8th June 2013 - Brunel's Atmospheric Railway for more details click here.
Devon's Ancient Bench Ends by Todd Gray.
Devon's Ancient Bench Ends is the first in-depth study of a collection of carvings which is nationally renowned as one of the greatest in England but remains largely unfamiliar to the general public as well as confusing to specialists. The research has encompassed repeated visits to the 123 of the 605 ancient churches which have bench ends as well as a long investigation into the documentary evidence in the county's three local authority archives.
The book was published with the aid of a grant from English Heritage reflecting its value in supporting the National Heritage Protection Plan. The subject is topical given the current fashion for reseating churches and discussions on the future of ancient seats. The book will help to inform local people of the significance of their carved wood.
Devon has just over 2,500 ancient bench ends which date back some six hundred years. The book also puts these into context with carvings in Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset.
Assisted by and with thanks to 
Paperback, 192 pages, 300 colour illustrations; £17.99
Whilst visiting the Bench Ends take
Devon’s Fifty Best Churches By Todd Gray ( go to page ) with you as well!!
Devon’s Anglican churches are our greatest storehouse of ancient treasures. Fifty buildings have been selected, a personal choice, which hold the most outstanding examples of stained glass, fonts, carved bench ends, screens, memorials and pulpits.
The Mint Press books are truly local. Every step of the publishing process uses Devon people and businesses , keeping jobs in Devon, rather than going overseas.
By supporting and buying our books you are really helping our local communityIf you cannot find what you want please email us and we will see what we can do.
