[Hardy-l] Re: Hardy-l Digest, Vol 33, Issue 18

[Jackie Wilkinson]

     Dear Pat,
     I have been following this thread with interest as it partly infringes
on the work I am doing myself. Two books I would recommend which helps to
clarify the rural system in Hardy's time are 'By Rite: Custom, Ceremony and
Community in England 1700-1880' by Bob Bushaway, which deals with the death
of rituals and rites in the rural environment during the nineteenth century
and 'Reshaping Rural England: A Social History 1850-1925' by Alun Howkins.
They don't deal specifically with woodlands, but they do explore  the
position of rural workers and their relationship with the landed gentry in
the nineteenth century. They further explore the tensions which arose
because of the rapid changes in estate management and the curtailment, or
complete abandonment, of 'custom ' in rural areas. 
     Hope these may be of help,
     Jacky Wilkinson
     PhD researcher
     Lancaster University