Pevsner described the pairing of church and parsonage as a feature of the English village unparalleled on the Continent. John Betjeman saw the design of rectories and vicarages as highly influential on our architecture. Forsaken by the Church but coveted by the private buyer, this is the story of these quintessentially English houses, with their combination of fine architecture, charm and character, large gardens and often splendidly rural locations. The Old Rectory examines their history, their evolution through the centuries, their many and varied styles of architecture, and their place in our heritage. It also explores the contribution made to our culture by the clerical families who once occupied these houses, and the famous people and eccentrics who have been associated with them. Finally, it considers their current role, and what the future might hold.

Famous for its cobbled streets and honey-stone cottages, bustling market towns and breathtaking scenery, the Cotswolds are high on the list of places to visit for anyone serious about exploring Britain's countryside. In our new small format guide to this much-loved area we have bought together over 100 Special Places to Stay: B&Bs, self-catering cottages, hotels, inns and pubs with rooms - all inspected, all good value, and chosen because we like them. Book into a Georgian manor whose owners can organise a day's fishing or cycling in the grounds of William Morris' old country residence. Walk The Cotswold Way and reward yourself with a night in a magnificent Grade-I listed manor, waking to the sizzling of Gloucester Old Spot bacon and fresh eggs for breakfast.