Religion, Identity and Conflict in Britain: From the Restoration to the Twentieth Century

The British state between the mid-seventeenth century to the early twentieth century was essentially a Christian state, in which Christianity permeated all aspects of society. This book brings together a distinguished team of authors who explore the interactions of religion, politics and culture that shaped and defined modern Britain. They consider expressions of civic consciousness in the expanding towns and cities, the growth of Welsh national identity, movements for popular education and temperance reform, and the influence of organised sport, popular journalism, and historical writing in defining national life. Most importantly, the contributors highlight the vital role of religious faith and religious institutions in the understanding of the modern British state.