Analyses various aspects of the historic context in which Newman’s rich spirituality developed: his many and varied networks of family, friends and colleagues who left their imprint on his spiritual growth; the vigorous defence of the Church of his birth in the Tractarian Movement; his increasing knowledge of, and dependence on, the Fathers of the Church; his pastoral experience as a preacher and teacher and, unifying it all, his deep practical faith in the God in whom he lived and moved and had his existence. Not many will walk the path of Newman, but all can be enriched by his experience. ..