This volume honours the memory of Prof Alan Everitt who, in the 1960s-70s advanced the fruitful notion of the 'county community' during the 17th C. Taking into account over two decades of challenges to Everitt's assumptions, the present volume proposes some modifications of his influential hypotheses in the light of the best recent scholarship.

Inspired by the works of Tawney and Postan, this volume examines their relevance to historians today, distinguishing between their contrasting approaches to the pre-industrial economy and exploring the development of agriculture and rural industry; changes in land and property rights; and competition over resources in the English countryside.

Dr Thomas Plume, born in Maldon in Essex in 1630, is remembered today for the many bequests he left which established important scientific, religious and cultural charities. This volume provides the first comprehensive account of the life, work and philanthropy of Plume.

Joan Thirsk was the leading English agrarian historian of the late 20th century. Her research explored regional farming, rural industry, changing tastes and fashions, and innovations in the rural economy. This book demonstrates Thirsk's relevance for historians today, presenting new work that has been influenced by her.

Relations with the state and with non-Gypsies have been central to the shaping of the lived identity of Gypsy people. This book examines how the state deals with Gypsies and travellers, and how they deal with the state. It also provides a comparative study of Gypsy politics in Britain and abroad.

David Hey was one of the leading local historians of our age and the author of a number of highly regarded books on the practice of local history. In this collection of essays in David's memory, the contributors celebrate his commitment to the landscape, economy and society of south Yorkshire and Derbyshire, which together make up 'Hey country'.

Lady Anne Bacon was a highly educated woman who lived through the political and religious transitions of five reigns, embedded at the Tudor court. Drawing on her forthright letters and other sources, this deeply researched and compellingly readable book reveals her extraordinary part in shaping the public story of Tudor history.

Medieval peasant families are closely identified with the land to which they had a hereditary right, especially in periods of land scarcity. This book concerns the tension between the contrasting trends in the study of village life, showing how they were affected by changes over time and place.