Description

First published in 1973, this work demonstrates how the English churchmen of the nineteenth century moved from a firmly entrenched position in the old social hierarchy to a less definable and insecure position under the rule of the collectivist State run by a professional workforce.

Dr Kitson Clark explores the many questions posed by this gradual change. After beginning with a description the 'old' order of society before 1832, the book considers the various roles played by parsons in the mid nineteenth century, showing that on the whole the clerics performed their duties conscientiously and were increasingly aware of the injustices in society. The final part of the book demonstrates the gradual establishment of State control affected and influenced churchmen.

This book will be of interest to those studying the history of the welfare state, religion, and social policy.