A series of ten programmes with Donald Sinden 7' CivicPride
The profits of the flourishing medieval wool trade brought the perpendicular style of Gothic to fruition in the sumptuous wool churches of East Anglia and the West Country. But while churches were gaining in secular beauty they were losing in spiritual values. The clergy had become comfortable and sometimes corrupt. An anti-clerical feeling grew up amongst the public, and the stage was set for Henry VIII 's break with the Papacy. The Gothic style was faltering, too, as its energy and invention became dissipated. The time had come for a change in architecture as well.
This week DONALD SINDEN visits the churches of Fairford and Cirencester in Gloucestershire.
Film cameraman PAUL v. WHEELER Film editor PETER ORTON Producer DICK FOSTER