This unrivalled textbook explores the complex history of cathedrals and churches, showing how this can be revealed through the skills of the archaeologist. This archaeological study can embrace everything from the building's foundations to the weather-vane on its spire, and at a time when medieval churches and churchyards (Britain's most completely surviving class of historic monument) are being threatened with redundancy, alteration or inappropriate restoration the need for detailed study and recording has never been greater. From Westminster Abbey to the tiniest field chapel, the history of the building, its use and furnishing can be enriched through archaeological study. First published almost 25 years ago, and unavailable for many years, this brand new edition illustrates the problems, techniques, results and rewards of church archaeology. After 25 years this is still the standard textbook on church archaeology. Nothing comparable has ever been published.