Lunchtime Talk: A Stonemason’s Guide to Britain’s Churches
Andrew Ziminski explores the often-overlooked features and furnishings that await discovery in our Parish Churches.
Places of worship like Westminster Abbey or St Margaret’s Church unlock our understanding of a shared past. As places of worship, community hubs and locations for calm reflection, they serve many purposes and have evolved over time to reflect the societies that have built them.
Join stonemason and church conservator Andrew Ziminski as he guides you through the history and architecture of Britain’s churches. Ziminski will shed light on the detail, features and meanings that can be found in our places of worship, revealing some of their fascinating histories in the process.
In this talk Ziminski will examine the history of churches across the British Isles and Ireland, with a special focused placed on the Tudor architecture and monuments of St Margaret’s.
This event is part of our monthly Lunchtime Talk series. On the second Wednesday of every month, join us at St Margaret’s Church for an in-depth exploration of part of the Abbey’s history.
About Andrew Ziminski
Andrew Ziminski is a stonemason, church conservator and author living and working in Frome, Somerset. He has four decades of experience working on some of the greatest cathedrals and churches in Britain, including the tower of Salisbury Cathedral and the dome of St Paul's in London. He is a SPAB William Morris Craft Fellow, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and conservation advisor to the Salisbury Diocesan advisory committee for the care of churches. He is the author of two books, The Stonemason: A History of Building Britain and Church Going.
Ticketing information
This event does not include entry to Westminster Abbey. We recommend looking at the Visit us pages to plan a visit during opening hours.
If you would like to look around the rest of the Abbey during your visit then we recommend you do so before you attend the Lunchtime Talk. This is to allow you enough time to see as much as possible.
Tickets will be available to buy with card payment on the day.
Free for Associates - Admission will be granted upon presentation of a valid Association membership card.
Age suitability
This event is for adults and young people over the age of 16, please see our family pages for information and events to explore this theme as a family.
Timings
Doors will open at 12.45pm and the talk will begin at 1.00pm. There will be time for an audience Q&A from 1.40pm.
Meeting location
This event takes place in St Margaret's Church, please follow main visitor entry route through the security check where the event will be signposted.
Access and security
Please have your ticket ready to show our staff (either printed or on your mobile phone).
On your arrival, your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.
The Abbey is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events for all. If you have any access requirements or questions about your visit, please contact us when booking. [email protected]
Filming and photography
Please note that filming and sound recording are not permitted in St Margaret's. See our photography policy for more information.
