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.

Preface; Introduction; Phase I: The Old Regime to 1832; 1. The Old Order of Society 2. Church and State before 1832; Phase II: Mid-Century 1832-65; 3. Church, State and Society after 1832 4. The Mid Nineteenth-Century Parson: The Education of the People 5. The Mid Nineteenth-Century Parson: The Governmental Order 6. The Mid Nineteenth-Century Parson: The Social Order (1) 7. The Mid Nineteenth-Century Parson: The Social Order (2); Phase III: Democracy and Collectivism 1865-85; 8. Parliamentary Reform, Social Change and Collectivism 9. The Problems of the Countryside 10. The Problems of the Town 11. The Dismal Society and its Enemies 12. The New Leviathan; Index