'Mark Vickers has given us a wonderful new reference book of the beliefs (and non-beliefs) of 20th-century PMs - a meaty volume that can also be consumed as a social history of British religion.' THE TELEGRAPH 'This carefully researched and well-written study reveals the religious faith of our Prime Ministers, or lack of it, in vivid colours. Prepare to be shocked and surprised as the author lays bare their souls.' SIR ANTHONY SELDON Mark Vickers' acclaimed volume on the faith of the twentieth-century Prime Ministers casts a new perspective on these holders of the highest political office in the realm. While there are biographies aplenty on the 18 men and 1 woman who took up residence behind the famous black door, it is notable that that many of these works fail to reflect an important - sometimes the most important - aspect of the life of their subject. God in Number 10 rectifies this omission, offering intriguing insights into Margaret Thatcher's legendary 'Sermon on the Mound', Tony Blair's perception of Jesus as a modernizer, Arthur Balfour's recourse to spiritualism, Stanley Baldwin's mystical experiences, and Winston Churchill's involvement with astrology. The book considers the role of religion generally in the political classes of the period, the reasons for the declining influence of faith in the public forum, and the relationship between Church and State. The families of H. H. Asquith, Bonar Law, Ramsay MacDonald, Neville Chamberlain, Harold Macmillan, Alec Douglas-Home and Harold Wilson have all expressed their support for God in Number 10 and, where able, helped in the research, while John Major has assisted fully.

This acclaimed volume on the personal faith of the twentieth-century British Prime Ministers casts a new perspective on every holder of the highest political office in the realm

About the Author
Mark Vickers read History at Durham University and practised with one of the City law firms. Having studied for the priesthood at the English College in Rome, he was ordained for the Diocese of Westminster in 2003. He is currently a parish priest in West London. He has previously published two biographies and is the author of Reunion Revisited: 1930s Ecumenism Exposed (Gracewing, 2017).

Reviews
Mark Vickers has given us a wonderful new reference book of the beliefs (and non-beliefs) of 20th-century PMs - a meaty volume that can also be consumed as a social history of British religion. * The Telegraph *
This is a remarkable book, one which goes where historians have in the past been reluctant to go. It is packed with information and insights . . . so full of new perception that it has to be read not just by political buffs, but by anyone concerned with the role of religion in public life. * The Irish Catholic *
A long, rich, detailed, and engaging survey of our leaders' souls * Nick Spencer in the Church Times *
Mark Vickers has served up a treat in this magnum opus. God in Number 10 is an intriguing survey, full of unexpected twists and turns . . . well-written and well-researched . . an ideal present for someone interested in both politics and religion. * Evangelicals Now *
A finely nuanced and fascinating study which yields sometimes surprising insights . . . chapters on Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair are exceptionally fair and well-balanced. -- Raymond Asquith * Catholic Herald *
Anyone interested in politics and religion should get this book. [It] is a wonderful anthology. Mark Vickers writes in a sober, unsensational style, yet produces something surprising or even bizarre on almost every page. -- Andrew Gimson * Conservative Home *
Faith defined the reigns of many of our kings and queens. The faith of the Prime Ministers, however, has been largely overlooked by historians. This carefully researched and well-written study reveals the religious faith of our Prime Ministers, or lack of it, in vivid colours. Prepare to be shocked and surprised as the author lays bare their souls -- Sir Anthony Seldon, Biographer of the Prime Ministers
A brilliant, fascinating, surprising, sometimes touching parade of nineteen believers, heretics, agnostics, atheists, mystics, astrologers, bigots and Bible-thumping pagans: enlightening and entertaining from start to finish. -- Brendan Walsh * The Tablet *
Secularism has air brushed the role of religion from the formation and motivation of our Prime Ministers. This book demonstrates the conclusive and increasing importance of faith in the lives of the twentieth-century premiers. -- Jeremy Black, Emeritus Professor of History, University of Exeter
Do Christian beliefs, values and prayer have a place in contemporary politics? What have we to fear if they don't? This timely study reveals the surprising extent to which the Prime Ministers of the last century were influenced by their Christian upbringing and faith - and suggests how their successors could benefit from a similar ethical foundation. -- Tim Farron, MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, 2015-17



Book Information
ISBN 9780281087280
Author Mark Vickers
Format Hardback
Page Count 512
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing