The period between 1760 and 1850 was one of the most rapid periods of change in British history. The emergence of an industrial economy, the development of pressures for social and political reforms and the growth of Nonconformist churches posed threats to the Church. In this wide-ranging survey, William Gibson considers both the challenges to the churches and their responses.

A major theme in this volume is the strand of continuity in the development of the Church, often neglected in historians' desire to pigeonhole the period into 'reformed' and 'unreformed' eras. By considering the relationship between the churches and the State, this book emphasises the importance of religion to successive governments both before and after Catholic Emancipation. Consideration is also given to the reform of the Church before 1830 and to the quickening pace of reform in the 1830s.

This book provides a lucid examination of the impact of social change on the role of religion in society. The new models of church practice which emerged within the clergy and laity are an integral element in this work. The development of religious denominations and their relationship with new social classes is also considered. Drawing upon the latest scholarship and research, the book is a coherent survey of religion and society during a turbulent era.