Rural Englands: Labouring Lives in the Nineteenth-Century

by Barry Reay

Rural Englands is the first general history of nineteenth-century English rural workers. Barry Reay provides a fresh perspective on England's rural past, reintroducing those often excluded from more traditional historical approaches, and stressing the diversity of working communities and the dynamism of rural life. Reay challenges stereotypes of country living, arguing that the extent of localization is so compelling that, instead of thinking of a unitary notion of 'rural England', we must think in terms of 'rural Englands'.

Incorporating a wide range of source material, Reay examines and explores both representations and experiences of rural labour,
- Varieties of settlement and landscape
- Types of work carried out by men, women and children
- Household survival strategies
- Experiences of life and death
- Leisure patterns
- Repertoires of protest
- Visual imagery
- Literary representations.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 2004

Reviews

[Robert Nield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revelatory history of the rural labourers of Britain in the 19th Century. Thoroughly evidenced with a real emphasis on presenting the words of both labourers and their contemporary observers, engagingly written and never accepting a simple explanation of a complex reality. Would recommend to anyone with an interest in the subject or adjacent matters.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional but, in part, exceedingly dry. No bones about it, this is an academic work presenting a somewhat specialized subject. The dry statistical chapters, necessary as they are in revealing the life of the 19th century English agricultural labourer, can be tiresome, at times, for the general reader. Fortunately they are juxtaposed with highly readable, compelling commentary. I feel greatly rewarded for having spent the additional effort on this. The text is highly footnoted and interwoven with the occasional oral account at the right moment to keep the reader’s interest from wavering. Through consulting various source material left behind Barry Reay constructs a thorough study of 19th century rural England and the lives of the men, women, and children who worked its soil. His thesis that the extent of localization, in virtually all areas of the labourers lives, demands we consider “Rural Englands” when conceptualizing the subject is well demonstrated.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good on the topic of nineteenth century agricultural labourers. Helped immensely with my master's essay--my lecturer recommended this book as a must! At points it gets a bit hard to read, but in academia, what book isn't?

Would definitely recommend if you are researching about the rural working class in nineteenth century England, especially in regards to agricultural labour.