Evangelicalism and the Early Vegetarian Movement c.1847-1860’

This article aims to fully explore the complex interrelationship between evangelicalismand the formation of an organised vegetarian movement in Britain in the period1847–1860. As well as adding insight into existing historical research into the diet, Iaim to comment on the potential of evangelicalism influence to reach into variousareas of society, a claim that has often been contested in the historiography. I explorethe manner in which religious influence encapsulated themes related to medicoscientificviews pertaining to diet, the role of food within family life, education, andthe role of biblical discourse were expressed via established forms of public persuasionin order to promote the apparent benefits of a meat-free diet.