A Short History of English Agriculture

The book traces the development of agriculture in England from communal medieval manors through the decline of manorial organization, demographic shocks, and the spread of leases and enclosure, to the adoption of improved crops, livestock breeding, drainage and modern implements, and the growth of agricultural societies and government bodies. It examines shifting labour relations, price movements, grain and live‑stock trade, and the effects of war, policy and foreign competition, showing recurring cycles of prosperity and distress across the early modern and modern periods. Appendices provide long‑run price series and trade figures while chapters treat crops, manures, implements and contemporary farm live stock.