Religion and Urban Change

Drawing upon detailed local sources Dr Morris's study of the town and suburbs of Croydon concentrates on the impact of urbanisation upon the development of Victorian and Edwardian organised religion. The book addresses in particular the origins and form of what has been described as the decline of organised religion in England pinpointing the difficulties inherent in previous attempts to account for this phenomenon. In his search for an explanation Dr Morris argues that it is appropriate to study the local tensions and conflicts which engrossed the attention of the churches in this period the religious beliefs and activities of the middle classes who composed the broad mass of church membership and the activities and divisions of the urban elites who were most influential in the churches' management. Finally he examines the role of reformed local government in redefining the sphere within which church action was deemed to be effective.