Nonconformist Conscience

by David W. Bebbington

The Nonconformist conscience was a major force in late Victorian and Edwardian politics. The well-attended chapels of England and Wales bred a race of Christian politicians who tried to exert a moral influence on public affairs. This book analyses the political impact of the Nonconformists at the peak of their strength when they were near the centre of key debates of the time over such matters as the growth of the British Empire and state provision of social services. They had also launched campaigns of their own to disestablish the Church of England and to secure public control of the nations schools. Based on extensive original research, this study is the first to examine these themes.

204 pages, ebook

First published January 21, 1982

About the author

David W. Bebbington is a historian who is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Stirling in Scotland and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. An undergraduate at Jesus College, Cambridge (1968–71), Bebbington began his doctoral studies there (1971–73) before becoming a research fellow of Fitzwilliam College (1973–76). Since 1976 he has taught at the University of Stirling, where since 1999 he has been Professor of History. His principal research interests are in the history of politics, religion, and society in Great Britain from the eighteenth to the twentieth century, and in the history of the global evangelical movement.

Reviews

[Michael G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good, clear, concise but detailed study. The writing is generally in that sweet spot: where there's perhaps more than enough information but without being too dense (I suspect the writer learnt Latin). Quite impressive how a Christian grouping that was, at best, about a quarter of the population of the United Kingdom, had such an impact on politics and society for such a long period.

This could have started even earlier, chronicling the political impact of nonconformists from when they were enfranchised in the early 1830s (or late 1820s?).

A particularly memorable bit for me was their lobbying on Empire, for continued action against slavery or oppression, whether in Africa, the Middle East, or the Pacific. Liberal interventionism in a different century! It was that alliance of Evangelical Anglicans and Protestant Nonconformists that the United Kingdom (and its children) has to thank for so, so much. Not just the abolition of the slave trade. Far more.

Great book.