The Agrarian History of England and Wales, 1640-1750

Volume V of The Agrarian History of England and Wales was first published in 1984. It was the first detailed study of agriculture and agricultural change in the period 1640 to 1750. It is the work of nineteen specialist scholars who have used original archives in local record offices throughout the kingdom, as well as central records. The volume examines the special economic and social circumstances of these years, and the changing price relationships in agricultural produce. It traces consequent changes in farm profits; the diversification of agriculture; the development of more regional specialisation and horticulture; the development of agricultural policy; the responses of landowners as estate managers and farmers; the elaboration of marketing facilities and of channels of communication for advertising new ways in farming. A richly illustrated account is given of building developments and an appendix contains annual and decennial price and wage increases.