This is the story of an early Victorian church in its newly-created parish. A story of financial struggle, devoted (often wealthy) incumbents, of a vicar forced to resign by the laity over ritualism, and bitter arguments over pew-rents. A story of selfless dedication by many of the curates (who included the usual clutch of clerical eccentrics) together with an insights into the influence of some of the powerful individuals in the County town. These are balanced by harsh glimpses into the lives of the ordinary parishioners, the whole story containing rather more humour than might be expected.