I am one of those who was so delighted with the first volume of Bedfordshire Churches in the Nineteenth Century that I have been eagerly awaiting the publication of the second (of three).

The first part (Parishes A-G) was a masterly survey of Bedfordshire churches using primary and historical sources. Not only is the book a mine of accurate information, easily accessible to people whose interest is focused on a particular parish, but it also gives a very powerful comment on the state of the churches in the first half of the nineteenth century in terms of their condition, liturgical challenge, patterns of worship, architectural emphasis and many other aspects. It also sheds light on the work and responsibilities of some of my predecessors as Archdeacon of Bedford. The book details a different world from that described in the Barchester Chronicles.

Chris Pickford is to be congratulated on such a thorough and lively document which will stand as a work of reference for everybody interested in Bedfordshire churches until well into the next century. He stands in an impressive line of County Archivists who have served Bedfordshire with such distinction, and gained a national reputation for the work of the Archives and Records Service at County Hall. The production of this second volume is all the more remarkable in the light of the pressures brought about by the financial squeeze being experienced in so many areas of public provision.

With best wishes for the gestation of Volume three!