In the 18th century, the considerable degree of social mobility in British society, especially between the upper and middling ranks, was arguably one of the important factors contributing to political and social stability. The extent of that mobility among the members of the nation’s legislature was particularly important in this regard. In this analysis, the book examines how far the House of Commons reflected and was itself affected by such social mobility. Enquiry is directed at the growth in number of ‘non-élite’ members of parliament; men without land. The book gives a sense of the fabric ... More

In the 18th century, the considerable degree of social mobility in British society, especially between the upper and middling ranks, was arguably one of the important factors contributing to political and social stability. The extent of that mobility among the members of the nation’s legislature was particularly important in this regard. In this analysis, the book examines how far the House of Commons reflected and was itself affected by such social mobility. Enquiry is directed at the growth in number of ‘non-élite’ members of parliament; men without land. The book gives a sense of the fabric of 18th-century British society by describing the subtle distinctions in the social and economic order.