ABSTRACT
Religion occupied a central place in the minds of most middle and upper-class Victorians. 1 The defence and promotion of Christian belief - or at least the observance of Christian worship - were regarded as vital to society. As population grew, and as cities and towns fast extended, thousands of churches and chapels were put within reach of the new urban millions. Between 1840 and 1876 the Anglicans alone built 1,727 new churches in England and Wales, and rebuilt or restored 7,144 more, at a total cost of £25,548,703. The Christian message remained available to all; and until near the end of the century religious leaders shared a sense of uplift. Yet relative to growth of population, attendance was only holding its own. In absolute terms, therefore, although more people were attending church or chapel than ever before, unprecedented numbers were also remaining outside their doors.
