Brothers

This chapter compares the life story of John Henry Newman with that of his brothers, Charles Robert and Francis William. Although there is little left of Charles’ story to tell, the three men present three different responses to a Victorian faith crisis. Whereas John embraced the tradition and rituals of the Roman Catholic Church, Francis found fulfilment in social action as well as his academic career, and eventually found his spiritual home among Unitarians. Charles became an atheist. Although Charles never achieved any sort of renown, he ultimately lived a life of the mind by the beach in Wales.