J. H. Betty
Rural Life in Wessex 1[zasłonięte]500-19
Guernsey 1987
Stron 151, format: 13x21 cm
Używana: pieczątka na pierwszej stronie. Stan znakomity.
For all those who would like to understand
the function of water-meadows and how they
were controlled—why sheep were 'folded' on
the chalk downs—or the origin of those
curious west-country customs, the 'skimmington' and 'clipping the church'—this
book has the answers. For it is a comprehensive social history of a region rich in tradition, yet one that varies widely in its geology and landscape: the land of wool and limestone, chalk and cheese, landowner and peasant, of Thomas Hardy and Richard
Jefferies.
Dr Bettey describes early farming in Wessex
and subsequent improvements in agriculture;
the wide range of rural industries carried on
in the region; its social and religious life—
markets, fairs, churches, pubs and country
customs—the effects of enclosures on its
economy and the development of local
government. 32 pages of plates illustrating
aspects of life during the period under review
add a visual dimension to his fascinating and
informative text.
Contents
Introduction The Background
1. Farming during the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries
2. Improvements and developments in Agriculture, 1[zasłonięte]500-19 24 3 Rural Industries 40
4. Domestic Life 51
5. Markets, Fairs and Travel 73
6. Social and Religious Life 89
7. Power and Authority 106 Bibliography 125 Notes to the Illustrations 127
Index 137 Illustrations between pp. 60 & 61
