FORWORD BY
ALEXANDRA WEDGWOOD

More than any other nineteenth-century architect, AW.Pugin determined the style of church building throughout the world during that century. It is thanks to him that when we see pointed arches and pointed windows we automatically expect to be looking at a church. This is because he believed that Christianity and the Gothic style were inseparable, and he said and wrote so with such force that the vast majority of churches built during that major period of church building were in that style. He was a Catholic, but the Gothic Revival was taken up by all Christian denominations. Ultimately the Catholic authorities were among the least enthusiastic.

It is, therefore, of the greatest interest to see how he interpreted his own 'true principles' in the church which he built himself, next to his own house, lovingly and slowly at his own expense, and dedicated to his patron saint, and in which he and his family are buried. The result is a deeply felt, spiritual building, both strong and beautiful, full of the character of its designer.

I have much pleasure in recommending this book; it fills a long felt need and the Pugin Society are to be congratulated on this venture. Pugin has, in recent years, become far better known, and Ramsgate was the centre of his life. It wilI add greatly to your understanding of these buildings, their designer and his aims.