A detailed study of a 19th-century community. Based on the life histories of the inhabitants of the parish of Colyton in Devon, it covers the period from 1851 to 1891. The area suffered raids by soldiers, house searches, looting and even executions during the Civil War and the Monmouth Rebellion - events which strengthened the townspeople's leaning towards Protestantism. The central section of the book is concerned with the lifestyle of the whole population from childhood to old age. Working childhoods, education provision, pre-marital pregnancies, shifting populations and the care of the elderly are some of the issues dealt with. The book also covers community issues including the relief of poverty and healthcare provision.
