English Catholics and the Education of the Poor, 1847–1902

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Eric G Tenbus

Perspectives in Economic and Social History

Filling an important gap in the historiography of Victorian Britain, this book examines the English Catholic Church's efforts during the second half of the nineteenth century to provide elementary education for Catholics. This campaign evolved into a half-century struggle against disunity within the Catholic community, a battle against nascent secularism in the educational system and a quest to secure equal rights and treatment within Victorian society. This struggle helped unify the Catholic community and transform its identity, as members of the Catholic minority evolved from passive onlookers to active, sometimes aggressive, participants.

Tenbus’s study is based on extensive research through diocesan archives; from the personal papers of cardinals and archbishops down to the letters and sermons of local clergymen. Also considered is the press coverage of the education question, including that found in the many Catholic periodicals of the time.

Sample pages

• English Catholics: Introduction
• English Catholics: Index

Readership

Social and Political History, Victorian Studies and History of Religion

Contents

1 A Church Divided and the Educational Solution
2 The Status of Catholic Education at Mid-Century and the Catholic Educational Philosophy
3 Educational Obstacles to Overcome
4 English Catholics and the Politics of Education, 1847–70: Preparing for Battle
5 English Catholics and the Politics of Education, 1870: The Battle Begins
6 English Catholics and the Politics of Education, 1871–90: Engaging With the Enemy
7 English Catholics and the Politics of Education, 1891–1902: A Strategy for Success
8 Catholic Education and Identity after the Balfour Act: The Battle Ends but the Fight Continues

Reviews

'Readers will find much to engage them in this thorough study of the interest groups, key issues and points of high drama in the narrative of Catholic education history in Victorian Britain.'
– Jennifer Redmond, H-WRBI

Related titles

• English Catholicism, 1680–1830
• Respectability and the London Poor, 1780–1870: The Value of Virtue

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