A small church nestling deep in the countryside is instantly evocative. Why is it there at all? Whom does it serve? These are worthy questions to ask of the many picturesque churches that are scattered across our landscape. Many smaller churches have a fascinating history and wonderful architecture: these buildings deserve our attention and further study.

This companion volume to the author’s successful Discovering England’s Smallest Churches covers over fifty churches in Wales which have naves of thirty feet or less. The churches are selected from the whole of the Principality, north, mid and south, and are arranged by county. Some, like Pilleth, are on battlefield sites; others, such as Llanano, have magnificent screens. The book, which is lavishly illustrated with colour and black-and-white photographs, drawings and location maps, will appeal both to those living in Wales and to visitors. Additionally, the appendices provide the reader with information regarding the various church trusts operating in the area and the work they undertake to preserve and publicise the churches of Wales.

John Kinross is a member of ‘Friends of Friendless Churches’ and a lay reader. His earlier book, Discovering England’s Smallest Churches, was enthusiastically reviewed by Simon Jenkins.