Herbert S. Skeats (d. 1881) was a significant church historian of the 19^th century, remembered today for the present work, A History of the Free Churches of England, 1688-1891. It is a foundational text chronicling the Nonconformist Protestant denominations (Baptists, Methodists, Congregationalists, Quakers, etc.) from the Glorious Revolution to the late 19th century, detailing their origins, struggles for religious liberty, theological developments, and vital societal impact in England. His work, originally published in parts and later compiled, serves as a key resource for understanding English religious dissent and the path to modern religious freedom.

Skeats, Herbert S. A History of the Free Churches of England, from A.D. 1688 - A.D. 1851. London Arthur Miall. Second Edition. 1869. 638pp. 

An attractive, half calf large 8vo volume in good + condition, spine neatly relaid, front hinge tender. Contains an early bookplate of mustard man, Jeremiah James Colman.