The Local Historian Volume 18 Number 4 November 1988

By Margery Tranter

A study of the 1829 religious returns which gave information on nonconformity and Catholicism. The study investigated the evidence for Derbyshire and the author suggests that the data for that county contrasts markedly with that for neighbouring Nottinghamshire. She highlights problems in making direct comparisons, including: i) the variable quality of the returns themselves, this being in part the product of the method of collection; ii) the varying contemporary interpretations of the official terminology given in instructions; iii) differing terms used to refer to various denominations; and iv) the differing character of 'dissent' itself. However, it is concluded that there is sufficient data to provide a reasonable picture of the distribution of nonconformity in Derbyshire. Links are made with urban and rural demographic and economic trends, as well as topographical variations.

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By S. Minwel Tibbott

Account of Victorian and early-20th century trends in home furnishings and the contemporary preoccupation with 'dressing' furniture. The author provides extensive detail of the typical contents of the main living rooms both of the middle classes and working people, using examples from the Welsh Folk Museum at St Fagans near Cardiff to illustrate the trends. There is discussion of the characteristics of, and possible rationale for, the fashion for 'dressing' table legs with covers, it being argued that there were practical reasons for this rather than the simplistic explanation that it was the result of a form of prudery.

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By Tim Lomas

Review of the teaching of local history in schools, the impact on local resources, and the growing links with wider historical activity. The author traces the growth of local history teaching across all age groups, and the development of historical methods - an area which has allowed local history to play an increasingly important role. A number of examples of good practice are highlighted, including fieldwork, the use of integrated studies and the impact of local history on GCSE and A-level activities. The author also warns that problems persist in some areas and that care must be taken to ensure that the momentum is not lost. Key issues include: i) the need for support for local libraries and archives; ii) teacher training; iii) external pressures, including the National Curriculum; iv) the limited availability of resources; and v) integration with broader historical work.

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By Peter J. Larkham and Mike Freeman

Investigation into some of the factors which can be identified as influencing building styles, with a particular emphasis on individuals and their decision-making processes. The factors which are suggested include: i) the role of key individuals, such as master masons; ii) the impact of local tradition and custom; iii) the role of external constraints, such as local authority regulations; iv) the effect of 'agents of change', such as builders and architects, and especially of external agents; and v) changing fashions, the reasons for which may be difficult to explain, but for commercial premises 'fashionable' usually meant 'commercially successful'.

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By P.J. Atkins

Study of the various 19th century London directories and their relevance and reliability as source material. Directories include large numbers and lists of data, categorised as: i) commercial directories - alphabetical lists of businessmen and traders; ii) classified trade directories - classified by businesses and trades; iii) street directories - listed people and trades by street; and iv) court directories - lists of notable private residents. The author summarises the areas of research where a directory may prove most useful, including work on genealogies, social history, business and commercial history, and topography, but highlights potential problems and weaknesses in the compilation of the directories.