As nineteenth-century Britain became increasingly urbanized and industrialized, the number of children living in towns grew rapidly. At the same time, Horn considers the increasing divisions within urban society, not only between market towns and major manufacturing and trading centers, but within individual towns, as rich and poor became more segregated.

During the Victorian period, public attitudes toward children and childhood shifted dramatically, often to the detriment of those at the lower end of the social scale--including paupers and juvenile delinquents. Drawing on original research, including anecdotes, first-hand accounts, and a wealth of photographs, The Victorian Town Child describes in detail the changing lives of all classes of Victorian town children, from those of prosperous business and professional families to working-class families, where unemployment and overcrowding were particular problems. Horn also examines the issues of juvenile labor and exploitation, how factory work and education were combined, how crime and punishment were dealt with among children, and the changes in health and infant death rates over the period.

In this book, first published in 1980, the author draws a vivid picture of what country life was like for the vast majority of English villagers - agricultural labourers, craftsmen and small farmers - during a period of rapid agricultural development. This study analyses the influence of the enclosure movement on farming methods and on the structure of village life, and examines the devastating effects of the Napoleonic wars on English society. The Rural World is based on a wide range of sources, including parliamentary papers, contemporary letters, diaries and account books, and official records such as those relating to the Poor Law and the courts. It provides a fascinating overview of all aspects of rural life - from employment to home conditions, education, charity, crime, the role of religion and the influence of politics - during a critical period in English history.

In this book, first published in 1980, the author draws a vivid picture of what country life was like for the vast majority of English villagers - agricultural labourers, craftsmen and small farmers - during a period of rapid agricultural development. This study analyses the influence of the enclosure movement on farming methods and on the structure of village life, and examines the devastating effects of the Napoleonic wars on English society. The Rural World is based on a wide range of sources, including parliamentary papers, contemporary letters, diaries and account books, and official records such as those relating to the Poor Law and the courts. It provides a fascinating overview of all aspects of rural life - from employment to home conditions, education, charity, crime, the role of religion and the influence of politics - during a critical period in English history.

This book for students provides an account of changes in children's work and welfare in Britain between 1780 and 1890. It examines both the scale and the nature of child employment and the changing attitude of society towards it at a time when Britain was becoming the workshop of the world. The further development of industry in the second half of the 19th century meant that the need for juvenile workers declined. At the same time the efforts of philanthropists and the State led to legal curbs on the kinds of jobs children could perform and the minimum age at which they could commence them. The author concludes that the century after 1780 saw a progressive lengthening of childhood as a stage of life, and that by 1890, children had been recognized as special cases in need of protective legislation. However, for the poorest and most disadvantaged families' life remained a struggle and children continued to pick up a living where they could as street traders, messengers, shop assistants and part-time servants.

Abingdon History Tour is a unique insight into the illustrious history of this Oxfordshire town. This is an exciting guided walk around Abingdon, its well-known streets and striking buildings, and explains what they meant to the people of this town throughout the nineteenth and into the twentieth century. Readers are invited to follow a timeline of events and watch the changing face of Abingdon as Pamela Horn guides us through the local streets.

This book examines the scale and nature of child employment in Britain and the changing attitude of society toward it in the years between 1780 and 1890. The author discusses the efforts of philanthropists and the State to regulate the lives and employment conditions of young workers, and examines the attempts made to improve the education and physical welfare of children in this period. She concludes that in the century after 1780 there was a progressive lengthening of childhood as a stage of life and a recognition of the "special" needs of children.

The First World War particularly affected the landed classes with their long military tradition; country houses were turned into military hospitals and convalescent homes, while many of the menfolk were killed or badly injured in the hostilities. When the war ended efforts were made to return to the pre-war world. Pleasure-seeking in night-clubs, sporting events and country-house weekends became the order of the day. Many of the former rituals, such as presentation at Court for debutantes, were revived. Yet, overshadowing all were the economic pressures of the decade as increased taxation, death duties and declining farm rentals reduced landed incomes. Some owners sold their mansions or land to newly enriched businessmen. Others turned to city directorships to make ends meet or, in the case of the women, ran dress shops and other small businesses. The 1920s proved a decade of flux for High Society, with the lighthearted antics of the 'Bright Young People' contrasting with the financial anxieties and problems faced by their parents' generation. Pamela Horn draws on the letters and diaries of iconic figures of the period, such as Nancy Mitford and Barbara Cartland, to give an insight into this new post-war era.

In the world of the late Victorian and Edwardian country house, the mistress and her daughters had many social duties and responsibilities to carry out both in their home community and in London, where they spent the Season and where the girls officially entered Society by being presented at Court.Pamela Horn s book examines the lives of these ladies from their childhood and marriage to their role as a Lady Bountiful . It covers their leisure pursuits, sporting activities, country house weekends, and much more besides, up to the life-transforming years of the First World War."

In 1931 domestic service remained the largest female occupation in Britain; now only the rich can afford full-time resident staff and most of those engaged in domestic duties work in hotels or in public institutions. By using reminiscences, official records and newspaper reports this book considers the changing face of domestic service from 1918 to the eve of the new millennium. It examines the lives and status of male and female employees, including those who worked outdoors such as chauffeurs, gardeners, grooms and gamekeepers. The reluctance of many women to return to service after the two world wars is discussed, together with government efforts to persuade them otherwise. The final chapters bring the story right up to the present day, examining the roles of au pairs, daily helps, and nannies in the home and the position of domestic staff in hotels, hospitals and other institutions.