Tales from the Tombstone

by S Ballinger, P Coombes

Churches and churchyards stand as a silent witness to many of life's events such as births, marriages and death. In times of war and peace, they silently watch as generation after generation passes by. But if you look a little closer, they will reveal their secrets to you. This book gives a brief history of those beautiful churches, alongside some of the stories behind the graves.Tales of murder, tragedy, heroism and so much more."I think your book is extraordinary. You’ve painstakingly tracked the lives of many long-forgotten people & allowed their tales to be told. It’s admirable," AJ. Griffiths-Jones Award-winning author of Prisoner 4374

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2019

Reviews

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read. Lots of historic information on the churches and some graves.
True information well laid out and shown with feeling.
A few famous graves amongst them. The others had sad tales and tales of misdeeds they carried out themselves.
The photos were good to look at & to see the inscriptions. I do love a gargoyle & was happy to see a few in here too.
I’ve the next one ready to read and I’m sure I’ll enjoy that too.

[David Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book both for the photographs and the storytelling.The authors visit churches meaningful to them,in the Cotswolds areas and South-West England,and bring their stories to life.
The inhabitants of the churchyard are brought to life -tales of humour,tragedy,ghostly goings-on,true crime and historical significance - in a wonderful writing style.
Wonderful photographs also illustrate those things the casual observer would miss while visiting these churches.
The book is exceedingly well produced,edited,illustrated and written,and is a top quality production.I highly recommend for your bookshelf and as a perfect gift.

[Alan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a grim book of the dead, but a look at the life those who have passed on have brought to their communities, a tour through charming churches and history. A lovely book, lovingly produced by warm hearts. A great experience.

[Isobel Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tales from the Tombstone is a feast of a book perfect for those interested in local history of the Cotswolds, tourists visiting the area and researchers alike. Filled with photos and a cauldron of primary source material including newspaper cuttings, letters and parish records, each church is presented with its own unique, disturbing and often spooky story, many dating back to the thirteenth century or earlier. Murders, hangings and sightings of the ghosts of those still anchored on this earthly plane seeking justice of some sort make for gripping reading. Churches in nine counties are explored including Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. The authors bring not only the churches to life but their notable graves, Tales from the Tombstone providing a potted account of a raft of figures, some you may have heard of, others you may be meeting for the first time.

This is a book for everyone; the style is accessible and entertaining, and the authors have done a thoroughly good job presenting their research. Tales of the Tombstone is a book to return to again and again. Highly recommended for all school libraries and a fun addition to Year 8 History classroom.

[Robert Southworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting ...

Like many people(at least i hope its not just me) i find whenever i visit a churchyard, i feel compelled to know more about the graves and other memorials. They are after all, portals to another time. Coupled with the sombre beauty of many of the buildings, it can actually make visiting such places enjoyable. The book brings together some excellent research and wonderful imagery. The only real issues i had was that more places could have been explored to give a more in depth view, and the formatting in the kindle version could have been a little tighter. But neither points detracts from a thought out, enjoyable read. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase any books done as a follow up...

Robert Southworth author of The Ripper Legacies and Spartacus Chronicles

[Sea Caummisar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fabulous! I am reviewing the paperback version. At first I thought it was huge, but was surprised to find that it molded perfectly in my hands. Even though I have yet to read it cover to cover (because my Mother and my Husband keep reading it), what I have read is fascinating. The photos, the detailed descriptions, everything is wonderful. It's a good sign for a book when everyone in your household wants to read parts of it. This is great debut from S. Ballinger

[Amanda Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful book, immensely readable, and I was quite sorry when I reached the last page.
The authors take us on a journey to churches they visited and tell us a brief history of each and, more interestingly for me, some of the stories behind the graves in the churchyards. We learn about war heroes, suicides, murder victims, accidental deaths and the sad stories of those who died of disease. We also discover graves of the famous, well known authors and distinguished police offices. All have a story to tell. Accompanied by photographs, census and church records, this is a book difficult to put down.
I definitely recommend.

[geoff Bridgman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story

Have enjoyed reading the three books ,Love churches and with Longborough my own Grandfather sang in the choir ,and my uncle baptised there,still many more churches and graveyards to visit.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book well written so many interesting stories you would never know about I can’t wait for the next book and I have to mention the photos excellent lots of very good images I know it’s very difficult to get photos to show well on kindle so well done for that and the paper back version is in my opinion under priced for a large book excellent buy and well worth the money

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

We our the authors of this book. We had a wonderful time visiting photographing and researching all the places in the book we hope you enjoy reading about our findings.

Churches and churchyards stand as a silent witness to many of life`s events such as births, marriages and death. In times of war and peace, they silently watch as generation after generation passes by. But if you look a little closer, they will reveal their secrets to you. This book gives a brief history of those beautiful churches, alongside some of the stories behind the graves. (less)
5 minutes ago · delete

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pleasure to read. I’ve visited old cemeteries since I was a child. My husband and I would tour old buildings and graveyards. The churches illustrated in this book are ancient compared to those in the U. S. The photos of some of the stained windows are breath taking. The stone artwork of gone by eras impressive especially the man with the headache. The histories of some other grave inhabitants was painstakingly researched. I had one problem with the book. It ended too soon.