This paper was in the process of being written by Peter Holland before his untimely death. The circumstances of the paper’s presentation here are described in a Foreword inserted into the paper.

Despite being “unfinished” the paper is a sc260428 History of Christianity in England final-compressedholarly and eminently readable account. It is, however, very long – but it includes a detailed index which enables readers to identify specific subject areas of most interest if they do not wish to read it all.  The paper points out that Christianity was not introduced to England in a religious vacuum because pagan religions permeated the life of people during prehistoric and early Roman times. It traces the history of Christianity from those periods through to the present day by describing and analysing national developments, but also by relating these to Bawtry and its surrounding area. It includes an account of all the Christian congregations which have existed in Bawtry, and their circumstances today. An extensive gazetteer is included, which describe all the significant Christian sites in or near Bawtry.