TY - JOUR

T1 - A landscape of improvement: the impact of James Loch, chief agent to the Marquis of Stafford, on the Lilleshall Estate, Shropshire

AU - Bowen, James

PY - 2010

Y1 - 2010

N2 - In 1810 some farms on the Lilleshall estate had achieved a degree of consolidation; however, many remained fragmented, dispersed and intermixed in the old enclosed Shropshire landscape. In contrast within ten years a complete reorganisation and consolidation of farm holdings had been achieved by rationalising field boundaries, constructing access roads, improving drainage and replacing traditional farm buildings with new model farms. Building on emerging agendas concerning estate landscapes, this article examines the improvement of farms on the marquis of Stafford's Lilleshall estate in Shropshire, providing a case study of the transformation of the rural, agrarian landscape. Focusing on the impact of James Loch (1780–1855), chief agent to the marquis of Stafford, it seeks to test the thesis that there was a professionalisation of agents reflected in the improved management of landed estates and the growth of a rural elite. Moreover, in assessing the farming economy of the diverse estate locale and the transition which the landscape underwent to a planned, improved condition, it informs debates surrounding the agricultural revolution, and high farming as its local manifestation, including the adoption of specific farming practices and technical innovations, whilst acknowledging the wide-ranging historical continuities evident in the landscape.

AB - In 1810 some farms on the Lilleshall estate had achieved a degree of consolidation; however, many remained fragmented, dispersed and intermixed in the old enclosed Shropshire landscape. In contrast within ten years a complete reorganisation and consolidation of farm holdings had been achieved by rationalising field boundaries, constructing access roads, improving drainage and replacing traditional farm buildings with new model farms. Building on emerging agendas concerning estate landscapes, this article examines the improvement of farms on the marquis of Stafford's Lilleshall estate in Shropshire, providing a case study of the transformation of the rural, agrarian landscape. Focusing on the impact of James Loch (1780–1855), chief agent to the marquis of Stafford, it seeks to test the thesis that there was a professionalisation of agents reflected in the improved management of landed estates and the growth of a rural elite. Moreover, in assessing the farming economy of the diverse estate locale and the transition which the landscape underwent to a planned, improved condition, it informs debates surrounding the agricultural revolution, and high farming as its local manifestation, including the adoption of specific farming practices and technical innovations, whilst acknowledging the wide-ranging historical continuities evident in the landscape.

KW - Improvement

KW - Landscape

KW - Estate

KW - Landlord

KW - Tenant

KW - Enclosure

KW - Drainage

KW - Agriculture

U2 - 10.1179/004772910X12760023513974

DO - 10.1179/004772910X12760023513974

M3 - Journal article

VL - 35

SP - 191

EP - 214

JO - Midland History

JF - Midland History

SN - 0047-729X

IS - 2

ER -