'Building on History' is an AHRC-funded Knowledge Transfer project involving The Open University, King's College London, the Diocese of London (Church of England) and Lambeth Palace Library. Our aim is to contribute to the self-understanding of the church in London by transferring the insights of historical research and stimulating fresh historical enquiry amongst participants. It will make the religious history of the Diocese available to the wider public through:

• Seminars and consultative workshops throughout the diocese.
• A project website.
• Producing guides to archival material - particularly that of Lambeth Palace Library.

The project aims to draw on modern religious history to inform contemporary discussion and activity: it focuses especially on how Anglicans in the current area of the Diocese of London responded to social changes and pastoral challenges in the period between the Napoleonic Wars and the outbreak of the Second World War, a period in which there are striking parallels with the present situation in London.

During this time churches were obliged to respond, at a leadership level and in the parishes to rapid urbanisation and heavy migration both within and to the London region. The Church of England sought to adapt to the changing face of the metropolis by building and extending places of worship and through what is now called church planting. Building on History will transfer historical insights on these themes, providing a long-term perspective on contemporary concerns. As the project develops we plan also to share insights and develop engagement with other Christian churches in the London area, and with other Church of England dioceses.

We encourage you to visit our website for a list of forthcoming events.

For all enquiries please contact Dr John Maiden:
building-on-history-project@open.ac.uk

tel: 020 7556 6143