Covers the crucial period of English rural history, from the high point of Britain's agricultural power in the 1850s and 1860s, through to the grim years of the interwar period. Uncovering many of the myths of an idyllic rural England, Alun Howkins looks in detail at the role of women, the workplace, the family and religion.

First Published in 1991. Reshaping Rural England covers the crucial period of English rural history from the high point of Britain's agricultural power in the 1850s and 1860s through to the grim years of the inter-war period. Uncovering many of the myths of an idyllic rural England, Howkins looks in detail at the role of women, the workplace, the family and religion. Topics covered include: * the creation of a stable social order by the rural elites, concealing widespread poverty and disorder. * the economic collapse of the cereal market in the 1870s. * the emergence of trade unions and other forms of social conflict in the countryside. * changes in agricultural production and the horror of war. Alun Howkins combines the concerns of the new social history with original research to produce an accessible and coherent account of the transformation of a society.

Alun Howkins' panoramic survey is a social history of rural England and Wales in the twentieth century. He examines the impact of the First World War, the role of agriculture throughout the century, and the expectations of the countryside that modern urban people harbour. Howkins analyzes the role of rural England as a place for work as well as leisure, and the problems caused by these often conflicting roles. This overview will be welcomed by anyone interested in agricultural and social history, historical geographers, and all those interested in rural affairs.

Presents new models of ministry firmly rooted in the realities of contemporary British society. David Osborne argues that our ideas of the country vicar derive from a mythical idea of rural England. They are no longer sustainable. Through a unique mix of storytelling and analysis, anecdotes and statistics, theory and practical example Osborne presents new models of ministry firmly rooted in the realities of contemporary British society.

This engaging history of rural England and Wales during the twentieth century looks at the role of the countryside as both a place of work and of leisure and looks at the many crises it has suffered during that time.

This volume represents the first dedicated study of the British Yeomanry Cavalry, delving into the institution’s history from the cessation of hostilities with France in 1815 through to the eve of the First World War in 1914. This social history explores the Yeomanry’s composition and place within British society, as well as its controversial role in policing before and after Peterloo, and its unique contribution to the war in South Africa. Overturning or challenging many enduring myths and accepted truths, this book breaks new ground not just in our understanding of the Yeomanry, but the wider amateur military tradition.

A collection of papers providing comparative and contrasting analyses of the changing characteristics of the countryside within the developed countryside of the UK, USA and Canada. An exploration of the issues of continuity and change associated with the operation of demographic, socio-economic and political processes as they impact upon and reshape the countryside.