Introduction

This series of articles looks at the trends in animal-based and plant-based diets in England over almost the last 1,000 years. There appears to have been a gradual increase in human sensitivity towards animals (at least in English humans), which has inevitably been reflected in the choice of food. For this reason there are also examples of the treatment of animals and other closely related topics.

All are extracts from The English: A Social History 1066-1945, by C. Hibbert, Grafton Books. Original sources are given.

• Part 1: The Middle Ages
• Part 2: The Ages of Shakespeare and Milton
• Part 3: From Defoe to Cobbett
• Part 4: From the Victorians to Modern Times

About This Article

This collection was compiled by John Davis, March 1992 -- and overdue for an update! Please send any comments or further material. I do not claim any copyright but if used elsewhere I would appreciate an acknowledgement of my humble efforts in putting it together.