Many of the key improvements to social conditions in the United Kingdom have been made by Christians. Most of us would be able to think of such key Anglican figures as William Wilberforce Anthony Ashley Cooper Earl of Shaftesbury or Dr Thomas Barnardo but lesser known contributions were made behind the scenes by significant members of the Non-Conformist Churches. This book traces the Free Church contribution to society from 1800 to the present day. It looks at the work of campaigners co-operative societies philanthropists & politicians & traces the ways in which conditions in slums education & industry were enhanced including work with women & with black & ethnic minorities. There is a growing interest in the part the churches can play today in community development & in the building of social capital. This book will show that some of the things now seen as government initiatives had their origins in the work of Free Church pioneers.