New Book on the History of the Capuchins in Great Britain
Why This Publication Matters
This work not only preserves an important part of Capuchin history in Great Britain but also deepens our understanding of the mission, struggles, and renewal of religious life across generations. It serves as a valuable resource for reflecting on the identity and ongoing mission of the Capuchins today.
Dr. Liam Temple, Assistant Professor in the History of Catholicism at Durham University, has published a significant new work exploring the history of the Capuchins in Great Britain and the development of the English Province.
Key Details
Author: Liam Temple
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Focus: Capuchins and Catholicism in Britain
Period Covered: 1850–2022
Research Partner: Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University
About the Book
This study is the result of research conducted between 2021 and 2024, supported by the Capuchins of Great Britain in collaboration with the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University.
Drawing from extensive archival work across Britain and beyond, as well as the Capuchin archives, the book presents a rich and previously untold narrative of the life and mission of the friars.
Across eleven chapters, it situates the development of the English Province within wider historical contexts, including the revival of Catholicism in Britain, the challenges faced by religious orders after the French Revolution, and the renewal of religious life following the Second Vatican Council.
It also highlights the missionary contributions of the friars in India and America, showing their role in the growth of new Capuchin provinces.