Twentieth Century Places of Worship
This page explains the twentieth century Places of Worship research projects that we are involved in.
Twentieth century Places of Worship are probably the least understood of our faith buildings, yet they include the broadest range of groups and denominations. A lack of appreciation by decision makers about the significance and the capacity for change of many such buildings can lead to radical and uninformed change, which can result in the loss of their special character.
20th century Christian places of worship
We have carried out a project to assess Catholic churches across the country. This programme of work carried out with the support of the Roman Catholic Patrimony Committee each Diocese within England ran from 2005 to 2019. Other work on considering the significance of Roman Catholic parish churches and mass centres is also underway.
We commissioned the Twentieth Century Society to provide a complete gazetteer of all 20th century Christian places of worship. Search the gazeeteer.
20th century buildings of other world faiths
Other work on 20th century faith heritage is underway through our Places of Worship of World Faiths in England programme.
Together with the Society of Antiquaries we co-organised and sponsored a conference about 'the Heritage of Minority Faith Buildings in the 20th Century' held at Burlington House, London 12 March 2018. This brought together new research on 20th century Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain and Zoroastrian places of worship with heritage practitioners, researchers and theorists. Further details and recordings can be found at Places of Worship of World Faiths in England programme.
