ABSTRACT
In the mid-eighteenth century the English economy began an accelerated structural transformation in which industry came more into prominence. In turn, this industrialization had an impact on popular sport as it called for new work patterns. The acceptance by the work-force that leisure cost money enabled working hours to be extended, but inevitably there was a limit to the trade-off between less leisure and more income. Even for those workers with low leisure preference, Sundays were generally free from labour and, despite increasing pressure, numerous holidays were still recognized. Economic change was not confined to the industrial sector: agriculture too underwent a transformation. Agricultural change also directly influenced the nature of rural recreation.
