Gentry culture and the stifling of industry

Abstract

The paper determines the role of the gentry in stifling the manufacturing development of formerly industrial southern England. An increasing divergence in economic composition between south and north is discussed, with particular reference to de-industrialisation in the former. The expanding estate system and emergence of a specific culture among landowners is described. Finally the case is made that this gentry culture was instrumental in reducing or redirecting southern enterprise during the industrial revolution.