Written for use with new and existing GCSE syllabuses, this is one of a series of three books which is also suitable for general RE and PSE courses at Key Stage 4. The book offers an understanding of contemporary Christianity through an examination of its development, rites of passage ceremonies, principal festivals and beliefs, and attitudes to a range of personal, social and global issues.

'Nonconformist' has long been used as a description of Protestant Christians in England and Wales who were not part of the Church of England. Among the numerous denominations are the Baptists, Methodists, Quakers and the Salvation Army. By the mid-nineteenth century their chapels and meeting houses, the subject of this brief introduction, outnumbered the buildings of the Church of England's. While many chapels are now disused or have seen conversion, they remain characteristic and often notable buildings in settlements in all parts of the country.

After the Protestant Reformation, religion remained remarkably unstable in Great Britain, and places of worship were the focus of dispute and regular change. Beginning in the seventeenth century, the growth of the Nonconformist denominations left a particularly rich architectural legacy in the form of a vast and diverse network of churches and chapels constructed throughout the towns and cities of England. Although many of these buildings have been lost, about 20,000 remain, some still in use by congregations to this day. The Chapels of England provides the first chronological history of Nonconformist architecture in England, from the seventeenth century to the present day. Beautifully illustrated throughout with interior and exterior photography, the book includes examples that range from small wayside chapels to large urban churches and encompass all the country's regions and each of Nonconformity's main religious traditions. The book's chronological organization allows readers to follow the main developments in the architecture of Nonconformity and understand how these developments fit within broader religious and cultural conversations.

Grade level: 4, 5, 6, 7, e, i, t.

The is the first of four volumes in a series which illustrates the origins, polities, theologies, worship and socio-political aspects of the several nonconformist traditions of Britain over the period 1550 to 1700.

We all have Nonconformist ancestors. In the mid-nineteenth century almost half of the English population were Nonconformists. And there were very few villages where there was not at least one Nonconformist chapel. Local and family historians need to be aware of the diversity of Nonconformity, and of the many sources which will enable them to trace the activities of Nonconformist forebears.Stuart Raymond's handbook provides an overview of those sources. He identifies the numerous websites, libraries and archives that local and family historians need to consult. These are described in detail, their strengths and weaknesses are pointed out, and the contribution currently made by the internet is highlighted.Most Nonconformist denominations are discussed not just the mainstream Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Quakers and Methodists, but also obscure sects such as the Muggletonians and Glasites, and even the two groups who regularly appear on our doorsteps today Jehovahs Witnesses and the Mormons.The religious activities of our Nonconformist ancestors tell us a great deal about them, and provide fascinating insights into their lives.