Church History in Leicestershire

Description

Church History in Leicestershire charts the story of religion in England from pre-Christian times to the twentieth century, viewed through events and the eyes and experiences of people in Leicestershire. Weaving together ecclesiastical, political and social strands it chronicles the tortuous tale of religion, churches and the people who worshipped there.

Where did churches and chapels come from; who built them, when and why? What significance lies in their looks and names? What made people so devoted to them? Why do they still exist?

The book covers sweeping religious and political movements, potentates of church and state, but centre-stage are the clergy, their parishioners, churches and chapels: how they thrived or perished, weathered plague and invasions, grappled with their consciences during the Reformation and Civil Wars, founded powerful new denominations and championed social reform when Leicester(shire) became a hub of Christian Socialism and Secularism.

Closing sections reflect on the church’s past and future, as it faces debates as fundamental as any previously encountered.

Nick Miller is a retired clinician and academic, with a life-long interest and involvement in church history. Nick has (co)authored five academic books and more than two-hundred articles, with a reputation for conveying complex ideas and narratives in language accessible to all. Nick is a member of the Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society and has a lifetime’s active involvement in church matters, as lay-person, songman, musician and faith-school governor.