See Churches Through a Stonemason’s Eyes

Andrew Ziminski will be talking about his career and book in an event put on by Rural Strides.

Rural Strides, the Petersfield-based walking organisation, invites you to come and see churches through the eyes, and hands, of a master stonemason in a talk that chimes with this year’s Rural Strides theme: Legacy of Belief.

“Most of us step into a church and admire the beauty, but few of us truly see it. Stonemasons do. Working inches from extraordinary art and architecture every day, they notice the details the rest of us pass by and understand how buildings are put together, breathe, age, crack, settle and survive. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Andrew Ziminski to Petersfield for a special talk on his work and his acclaimed book Church Going,” says Malinka van der Gaauw, Rural Strides.

Andrew is one of the most respected stonemasons in the country. His hands have worked on Salisbury Cathedral, St Paul’s, the Roman Baths in Bath, and even prehistoric monuments like West Kennet Long Barrow near Avebury.

His book, Church Going, has been called the “church-crawler’s bible” – and for good reason. Published last October, it was named Book of the Year by The Times, Telegraph and BBC History Magazine. It’s thoughtful and packed with stories you won’t find in guidebooks.

‘This evening isn’t just about masonry. It’s about why churches matter, how they are built, how they age and how they’re saved. Whether you love history, architecture, walking or simply beautiful places, this talk will deepen your appreciation of churches as extraordinary heritage assets – and why they need our support.’

Event Details

When: Weds 4 March 2026

Where: St Peter’s Church, Petersfield

Time: Doors open 7pm for a 7.30 start (with option of earlier church tour with Rev Hughes)

Tickets: £5 via Rural Strides website

Other: paid bar and One Tree Book selling copies of Church Going on the night