Modern History

South Cambridgeshire has some of the richest arable land in England and has been cultivated for millennia. By 1800, industrialization and massive population growth had resulted in an enormous increase in the demand for food, which in turn led to enclosure. This book presents a study of social and agricultural life in South Cambridgeshire before enclosure, then describes the process of enclosure and its effects on society, farming and the environment in the region between 1798 and 1850.

Andrew Dury and John Andrews, two London map-makers, published their map of Hertfordshire in 1766. After examining the context of the map’s production and its place in cartographic history, this illustrated study describes the creation of a digital version and how it can cast new light on aspects of the county’s landscape, society and industry. The accompanying DVD contains a collection of maps and other materials illustrating issues raised in the book.

What was it like to live in Henry VIII's palace at Hampton Court? How was he entertained? What clothes did his wives wear? Who were his servants and what jobs did they do? This book reveals details of the everyday life of the court and its often oppressive atmosphere of pageantry and display set against the power struggles of courtiers, the king's desire for a legitimate heir and his compulsion to collect and spend wealth.

Immortalized by Kipling’s line, ‘Where the old Flotilla lay’, the Irawaddy Flotilla Company grew from four paddle steamers deployed in the Second Burmese War in 1852 to a commercial fleet of 650 vessels. This book charts the company’s development against the background of British colonial policy and the economic growth of Burma, and describes its tragic end during the Second World War, when its ships were scuppered to prevent them falling into the hands of the Japanese. Bears old cover price.