In Depth:  Mr P Landy

Some people see the Church of England as in crisis at the present time. Perhaps lessons from great men of the past need to be heeded.

John Charles Ryle was born on May 10 1816 at Park House, Macclesfield. His father was a banker with an income of £15,000 a year, and he grew up in an environment of privilege and prosperity, but spiritually there was little evidence of vital Christianity. In recalling these early days, he concluded that they were 'destitute of any real religion'.