What is a Church Record?
A detailed inventory of the contents of a Church, together with photographs, describing each item and researching the history of these where possible.

What is the purpose?
It ensures the identities of skilful and imaginative craftsmen are preserved for future generations. It is a significant research resource for church members, heritage scholars, demographers, local historians, communities, etc It can be a valuable tool for church authorities, insurance companies and the police

How is it done?
Volunteer members of NADFAS work in teams using specified methods and terminology supported by national heritage experts.

Each Church Record is divided into nine sections :
Memorials, Metalwork, Stonework,
Woodwork, Textiles, Paintings,
Library, Windows, Miscellaneous

 

Each significant item is recorded using a 10 point format:
1. Description, 2. Materials, 3. Date, 4. Dimensions,
5. Artist/designer, 6. Maker, 7. History, 8. Donor,
9. Memorial inscription, 10. References

 

How many churches have been recorded so far?
Nationally NADFAS has produced over 1350 Records. West Midlands Area has completed 66 Records and the 11 current groups in the Area are working on another 12.

How can I get involved?
If you are interested in joining one of the Church Recording groups in the area, please contact :
either Angela Watkins, West Midlands Church Recorders Area Representative : angela.watkins@cpel.co.uk
or Carolyn Morgan Jones : c.morganjones@btinterent.com.

Carolyn Morgan Jones
Coordinator

click here to view current projects

At the head of the page : St Nicholas Church, Kenilworth, The site of the work by Royal Leamington Spa DFAS.

Recently burglars broke into St Nicholas church in Kenilworth. In doing so they smashed a stained glass window in the South aisle. This church is being recorded at the moment by the Royal Leamington Spa group of church recorders and luckily this window had already been photographed. The detailed description and photograph were sent immediately to the church wardens. The information will be most useful in the restoration of this lovely window. This is just one example, albeit an unhappy one, of how invaluable church recording can be.