The English systems of land tenure have influenced land-holding far beyond Britain. Freehold, for example, a common-place in many places, has its origin in the feudal tenure of Anglo-Norman England. Much has been written about the origins of English land ownership but the contributions are hidden. This book, originally published in 1958 draws together legal, economic and social historical themes, introducing the reader to the authoritative texts of the many aspects of the subject up until the 16th Century.

Originally published in 1972, this work shed new light on the study of land use. The key to the analysis was the proprietary land unit, within which all positive decisions touching land use are made. The analysis has a universal relevance, irrespective of social order, economic philosophy and judicial systems. The work will be of interest to lawyers, economists, agriculturalists, town and country planners and those in central and local government.

Originally published in 1959, this post-war study of farm rents marshals the evidence from a nation-wide survey. Not since the National Farm Survey of 1941-3 had similar information about the national average level of farm rents been available. In certain details and aspects of its scope, this study was unique. What was analysed, tabulated and commented upon was of vital importance to the farming and landowning communities, of immediate relevance to professional practice and original in its contribution to academic knowledge. Attention was focussed on the farm rents of England and Wales over the post-war period, but comparison with war-time and pre-war farm rents in Scotland was possible.

Originally published in 1957, this book introduces the term ‘estate capital’ to distinguish investment in land and buildings, in which agriculture rests, from investment in agricultural machinery and other forms of capital which are essentially agricultural. The book provides a general review of the formation of estate capital from estate income, the provision of estate capital from other sources the level of investment on agricultural estates. Concluding chapters describe the influence of estate character upon the formation, provision and investment level of estate capital. Estate duty levy on agricultural estates, tenants’ contributions to capital investment, and charity estates receive special attention.