THE history of nearly 1,400 years of Christian worship and buildings is brought together in a new book. The Tidenham Historical Group has just published The Churches of Chapels of the Parish of Tidenham following several years of research.

The 200-page book was launched at the non-denominational Woodcroft Christian Centre, which was opened as Temperance Hall by local benefactor Christiana Morgan who wanted to counteract the influence of the many pubs in the area.

Keith Underwood, who co-edited the book with Carol Clammer, said: "The first recorded church was built in AD625 and since then the parish has been the location for a wide and intriguing variety of Christian places of worship."

People who had helped with the project – which had received Awards for All funding from the National Lottery – were presented with complimentary copies of the book.

There have been some 25 places of worship in the parish over the last 1,400 years and the book tells the stories of 13 as chapters on lost churches and chapels, the lead fonts of Lancaut and Tidenham and stained glass.

There are also many human stories from the wealthy benefactors who paid to have the churches built and supported the poor in the area; some memorable priests, the pirates who raided and burned Tidenham and the evacuation of the whole community of Beachley at just 11 days' notice to make way for a First World War shipyard.

Mrs Clammer said: "The book has been very well researched but it is still very readable and it can also act as a guide book.

"The historical group hopes that the book will prove informative and entertaining and the funds raised from its sales will enable further research, preservation and interpretation of aspects of the parish of Tidenham's history.

"The group's next projects include the history of schools in the area and the impact of World War One on Beachley, Sedbury and Tidenham including the men who served in the armed forces."

The book is available from the Tidenham Historical Group – call 01291 623736 or e-mail info @tidenhamhistory.co.uk – Chepstow Bookshop and the Friends of Tidenham Church.