A ground-breaking study of the place of the Christian religion in an industrial city. Wickham's book offers a close investigation – both historical and sociological – of Sheffield in the vital years of its nineteenth-century industrial growth, and considers the plans and practice of organised religion in the city at that time. Where did it fail with the Broad Churchmen 'working classes'? What were the reasons? And what do the lessons of the past mean for today?

The book is as important for those involved with urban ministry as it is for historians of religion and of society.

Preface
Introduction

1. Sheffield in the Early Nineteenth Century
2. Church and People, From the English Civil War to the French Revolution
3. Church and People in the 'Bleak Age', 1800–1850
4. Church and People in the Years of Religious Boom, 1850–1900
5. Church and People in the Years of 'Decline and Fall', 1900 to the Present
6. The Mission of the Church in an Industrial Society

Conclusions
I. Theological Perspectives
II. Industrial Mission
III. The Missionary Structure of the Local Church in an Industrial Society

Appendices
I. Details of the Religious Census in Sheffield in 1881
II. Plan of Town of Sheffield in 1771
III. Gallery and Ground Floor Pew Plans of the Parish Church of Sheffield
     in 1806, with notes
IV. Historical Chart Showing the Provision of Churches of all Denominations
     within the Ancient Parish, and the City of Sheffield up to 1841
V. Historical Chart Showing the Provision of Churches of all Denominations
     within the Ancient Parish, and the City of Sheffield 1841 to 1955

Bibliography
Index