About Sacristy Press

Sacristy Press is a small, independent publishing house based in Durham (UK). We publish theology and history, including historical fiction. Our small-but-growing selection of books and e-books are all available to browse and buy through this website.

It is our aim to uncover hidden gems from new talent and old hands alike. We believe that the best books happen when publishers and authors work together to ensure a high quality manuscript with exceptional production. For up-to-the-minute news about our exciting new literary projects follow us on Twitter at @SacristyPress and find us on Facebook.

We are members of the Independent Publishers Guild.

Meet the team...

Sacristy Press was founded in 2011 by Richard Rutherford Hilton and Thomas Ball. We are supported by a wonderful team of freelance editorial staff, a part-time Marketing Assistant (currently vacant) and a Commissioning Editor.

• Natalie Watson

  Publishing Director

  

  Natalie Watson is a theologian, writer and editor based in Peterborough, and has a PhD in Theology from Durham University. She is the author of several books and articles on feminist theology and other subjects.

  Before joining Sacristy Press as Commissioning Editor in October 2018, Natalie was Head of Publishing at the Methodist Publishing House (2003-2007), Senior Commissioning Editor of SCM Press (2007-2015) and a Senior Commissioning Editor at Jessica Kingsley Publishers (2015-2018).

• Richard Rutherford Hilton

  Operations Director

  

  As Operations Director, Richard Rutherford Hilton is responsible for oversight of the day-to-day running of Sacristy Press. He can often be found dabbling in cover design and typesetting, too. Richard’s background is in software development.

  Alongside Sacristy Press, Richard is the Director of IT for a global fashion brand, and a website developer. In his “spare” time he fulfils manifold and sundry duties at Durham Cathedral (primarily as a verger) and in his spare-spare time is a mentor at his alma mater, Grey College (Durham University), where he graduated with a degree in Computer Science in 2006. He enjoys playing the ’cello.

• Thomas Ball

  Founder

  

  Thomas Ball was one of the founders of Sacristy Press. He was our Commissioning Editor until 2018. 

  His academic background is in medieval philosophy and, after completing his PhD in the history of political thought, he taught Political Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion at Durham University. Thomas is now VP for Clinical Affairs at a medical device manufacturer in the USA.