Aspects of social and economic change in a small market town: Moreton in Marsh 1850-1914

Thesis

The 19th century is recognised as a period of major social and economic upheaval that resulted in substantial movements of population from agricultural to industrial areas. The consequent growth of large urban areas has attracted the attention of historians, at the expense of the smaller settlements, which remained important service centres for rural inhabitants. Consequently, a binary approach to the history of the period has evolved that ignores places that relied on the symbiosis of both rural and urban worlds. This thesis attempts to address the imbalance. It considers how the multifaceted developments of the age affected Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, a small market town at the heart of an agricultural area, a considerable distance from any industrial centres. It is a qualitative study that has scrutinised all currently available documents for the period. I will argue that, demographic stasis, the pervading paternalistic relationship between the landed elite and the townspeople, and the implications of decisions made elsewhere shaped much of its social development during this period. Both welfare provision and association within the town relied on strong community links that were fostered by religious cooperation. Railway building was a key component in 19th century national economic, technological and industrial developments but again, the impact of railways on small towns has been overlooked. I will argue that the railway was crucial to the survival of Moreton and its transformation from an agricultural to a dealing economy, which laid the foundations for the town’s future role as a tourist centre. Recognising the importance of migration as an underlying theme of 19th century social and economic history, the impact of people arriving and leaving the town will also be examined. This thesis enhances the literature on small towns as well as uncovering previously unknown aspects of the local history of Moreton in Marsh.

Authors: Murphy, I

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-mvg6ajqar
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: local identity; religious cooperation; welfare provision; rural depopulation; paternalism; railway development; self-help; small market towns; cottage hospitals; deference
• Subjects: Rural depopulation; Railway building; Welfare provision; Cottage hospitals; Local identity; Small market towns; Population stasis; Cooperation--Religious aspects--Christianity