ABSTRACT

First published in 1981, Bath, 1680–1850 reveals the changing structure of society and its social values as shown in the expansion of the city.

The book examines the lives of men and women who lived in Bath and who, as consumers and producers, transformed it from a small Cotswold town built in the vernacular style, into a uniquely spacious Palladian city devoted to the well-being and leisure activities of the wealthy. In doing so, it explores how the changes in Bath emerged in response to the needs of commerce, industry, and its growing working class, and presents the city as a microcosm of the social transformation brought about by the development of capitalism in England.

Bath, 1680–1850 will appeal to those with an interest in social and cultural history.

chapter Chapter One|11 pages

By Way of Introduction

chapter Chapter Two|37 pages

The Company and the Size of the Market

chapter Chapter Three|46 pages

The Labouring Population

chapter Chapter Four|21 pages

Landowners and Peasants

chapter Chapter Five|55 pages

Stockjobbers and Entrepreneurs

chapter Chapter Six|55 pages

Ideology and Utopia

chapter Chapter Seven|38 pages

Property and Absolute Self-Interest

chapter Chapter 8|38 pages

Social Structure and Economic Welfare

chapter Chapter Nine|27 pages

The Consciousness of the People: 1680-1815

chapter Chapter Ten|53 pages

A Radical Utopia: 1812-1847