This book analyses the way British churches sought to meet the challenge of industrialization and urbanization during the period 1740-1865. Working from a case-study of Oldham and Saddleworth, Mark Smith challenges the received view that the Anglican church in the eighteenth century was characterized by complacency and inertia, and reveals Anglicanism's vigorous and creative response to the new conditions.

He reassesses the significance of the centrally directed church reforms of the mid-nineteenth century, and emphasizes the importance of local energy and enthusiasm.

Charting the growth of denominational pluralism in Oldham and Saddleworth, Dr Smith compares the strengths and weaknesses of the various Anglican and nonconformist approaches to promoting church growth. He also demonstrates the extent to which all the churches participated in a common culture shaped by the influence of evangelicalism, and shows that active co-operation between the churches rather than denominational conflict predominated.

This challenging and original study makes an important contribution both to the social history of religion and to urban studies.