England is a country rich in the memorabilia of its past. In the antique stores and antiques programmes on TV we see an endless array of goods that have collected over the years, some of which date back centuries. Some of them we keep and collect purely for historical and interest value or as ornaments since they have no practical use anymore; such as war memorabilia, oil lamps, or old photography equipment etc.. Then there are things that are, theoretically, still useful but are out of fashion, such as clothes, old uniforms, and babies' prams. Then there are things that do retain their original purpose and, because of their age, have appreciated in value such as decorative and well made furniture, paintings, jewellery, and pottery etc. And what is common with these collectables is that they imbue in us a sense of curiosity and wonder if not just plain appreciation. What they also have in common as they remind us of our heritage is that they inspire in us a respect for the people who made and used them. By acknowledging the transcendental quality and craftsmanship of our antiques we are acknowledging the quality of craftsmanship of our ancestors. In all, of course, it is not wrong for us to esteem our ancestors for all the good things they bequeathed us. Rather we have much to be grateful for.

And how we treasure our great buildings. Churches especially are respected as great artefacts of antiquity. Some of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in this country are the many antique churches and cathedrals that have stood the test of time. We can still enter into them (or at least most of them) free of charge and sit in the place our ancestors have sat (or stood, before they were fashioned with pews) for centuries. And rightly so that such buildings should be kept for posterity. Undoubtedly these exquisitely decorative and beautiful structures belie an attention to detail and love which was commensurate with the religious times in which they were made. It is a shame and a pity though that it is only the religious artefact with which we now treasure and that the real treasures our ancestors bequeathed us lie overlooked and forgotten.

It is surely to our loss that despite our great respect and reverence for the physical and material heritage bequeathed us of our ancestors, whether it be the elegant sophistication of the towns and cities they built, or the beauty of the accessories they so adorned themselves and their homes with, we overlook this cultural inheritance they have passed down to us, i.e. their faith and values, which we consign as objects of historical interest only, along with the oil lamps and horse drawn carriages - something no longer needed or relevant to today's world. And whilst we are wealthy and well developed as a consequence of our material legacy we have seen serious social degeneration of our society as a consequence of rejecting this splendid and glorious spiritual legacy.