Prior to Palmerston becoming Prime Minister in 1855, there were few bishops and they were rarely seen in their dioceses – most were occupied in London attending to business or Parliament. This changed significantly during Palmerston's ten years in office, during which he appointed 19 bishops who had both academic distinction and parochial experience. Nigel Scotland examines their wide-ranging reforms and innovations, including building churches and schools, promoting education and missions and raising standards among the clergy.