ABSTRACT
The virtual disappearance of the small master tradesman who had played such a prominent role in the early development of capitalism in the building process implied a change in the entire structure of productive social relations. In the years between 1811 and 1820 such a change was everywhere apparent in building in and around London. In the north-western suburbs, the continued development of the Foundling, Skinners, Bedford, Southampton and Somers Estates reflected the growing concentration of building labour in the area, labour not bound to a particular master or to traditional forms of workshop organization. So too did the rapid extension of contracting activities.
