ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Randall Davidson’s response to a variety of social and political questions during the first ten years of his time at Canterbury. Davidson was perturbed by the bitterness of the divisions that erupted over such questions as the role of the House of Lords. He worked hard to use his influence to broker ‘behind the scenes’ agreements between the main Party leaders on controversial matters. Although he was listened to with respect, his influence was comparatively limited, given the popular passions raised by questions ranging from constitutional reform through to the Government of Ireland. Davidson also worked hard to assert the Church of England’s influence on social questions ranging from women’s suffrage through to divorce. Davidson believed that the Church of England had a duty – as the Established Church – to shaped discussion on important questions of public policy.
