Presents the latest research on the causes and consequences of British population change from the medieval period to the eve of the Industrial Revolution, in both town and countryside Population, Welfare and Economic Change presents the latest research on the causes and consequences of British population change from the medieval period to the eve of the Industrial Revolution, in both town and countryside. Its overarching concern is with the economic and demographic decision-making of individuals and groups and the extent to which these were constrained by institutions and resources. Within this, the volume's particular focus is on population growth: its causes and the welfare challenges it posed. Several chapters investigate the success with which the English Old Poor Law provided care for the poor and elderly, and new work on alternative welfare institutions, such as almshouses, is also presented. A further distinctive feature of this book is its comparative perspective. By making systematic comparisons between economic and demographic developments in pre-industrial Britain and those taking place in various regions of contemporary Continental Europe and Russia, several chapters uncover how far Britain in this period was 'different'. Stimulating to experts and students alike, Population, Welfareand Economic Change offers overviews and summaries of the latest scholarship by leading economic historians and historical demographers, alongside detailed case studies which showcase the original research of younger scholars. Chris Briggs is Lecturer in Medieval British Economic and Social History at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Selwyn College. P.M. Kitson is a former Research Associate at the Cambridge Group for the Historyof Population and Social Structure and Bye-Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge. S.J. Thompson is a former J.H. Plumb Fellow and Director of Studies in History at Christ's College, Cambridge. CONTRIBUTORS: Lorraine Barry, Jeremy Boulton, Chris Briggs, Bruce M.S. Campbell, Tracy Dennison, Nigel Goose, R.W. Hoyle, Peter Kitson, Julie Marfany, Rebecca Oakes, Sheilagh Ogilvie, Stephen Thompson, Samantha Williams, Sir Tony Wrigley, Margaret Yates

Doctor Eleanor Sutherland is urgently summoned back to the family home, by her Senior Police Officer father. To her horror, with Ministerial approval she was made sole heir to the estate of the now deceased British MP, Nigel Trevisa. Her father reveals a story of covert data gathering on Trevisa - How did he achieve high office? Why did his sexual predatory tenancies go unpunished? Where did the money come from to acquire a grand lifestyle? His task turned into an obsession as the questions went unanswered. Together with trusted family and friends, Eleanor yields to her father’s request if only to untangle herself from his spooky world. As the pace accelerates, the vengefulness and brutality of Trevisa’s only offspring Cassandra, comes as a complete shock to all. In Eleanor’s battle to stay alive she not only takes on the persona of someone brave and fearless, but places her trust in one man. This makes her question if cutting herself off from emotional involvement is a good idea, as they become romantically closer. In an explosive double-headed climax three people will not survive the ordeal.