Underdraining has been recognized as one of the major capital-intensive agricultural improvements of the nineteenth century. Over half the agricultural area of England is subject to waterlogging and is in need of some form of underdraining, rendering the improvement both technically and economically basic to much of English agriculture. By removing excess soil water, the object of underdraining was to reproduce as far as possible the conditions of free-draining land, which was workable all year round, and to create an optimum soil-moisture content for both plant growth and cultivation. Despite the necessity for the improvement, a wide-ranging debate exists in the literature on the extent, effectiveness and agricultural importance of underdraining in the nineteenth century. The present study attempts to resolve this debate. By examining the evidence of draining loans under the Public Money Draining Acts and of the various land improvement companies and the accounts of estates in Devon, Northamptonshire and Northumberland, a precise record has been provided for the, first of the spread of underdraining in England in the nineteenth century, of the factors involved in its adoption and of its impact on agricultural practice in that period.

In 'Worcestershire in the Nineteenth Century' by T. C. Turberville, readers are presented with a meticulous and comprehensive account of the social, economic, and cultural landscape of Worcestershire during this pivotal period in history. Turberville's writing style is characterized by its attention to detail and rich historical context, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of life in the region. Through detailed descriptions and insightful analysis, the book offers a valuable insight into the transformations taking place in Worcestershire during the 19th century. Turberville's work is a must-read for anyone interested in local history and the societal changes that shaped the region. T. C. Turberville, a renowned historian with expertise in British history, draws on his extensive research and knowledge to present a compelling narrative of Worcestershire's evolution in the 19th century. His passion for the subject shines through in the meticulous research and engaging writing style displayed in the book. Turberville's background and expertise in historical studies uniquely position him to shed light on the lesser-known aspects of Worcestershire's past. For history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in regional histories, 'Worcestershire in the Nineteenth Century' by T. C. Turberville is a must-read. Turberville's expertise and engaging writing make this book a valuable resource for understanding the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of Worcestershire during a transformative period in history.

Marc W. Steinberg throws a wrench into our understanding of the English Industrial Revolution - largely revising the thesis of Karl Polanyi's landmark 'The Great Transformation'. The conventional wisdom has been that in the 19th century, England quickly moved toward a modern labour market where workers were free to shift from employer to employer in response to market signals. Expanding on recent historical research, Steinberg finds to the contrary that labour contracts, centred on insidious master-servant laws, allowed employers and legal institutions to work in tandem to keep employees in line.

This book describes the nature of tithe payments, the Tithe Commutation Act of 1836 and the survey of over 11,000 parishes.