Hobby farming among the Birmingham bourgeoisie: the Cadburys and the Chamberlains on their suburban estates, c. 1880-1914

摘要

This article examines the farming activities conducted by members of the Cadbury and Chamberlain families on their suburban estates in Birmingham. A case study of Austen Chamberlain's farm at Highbury is based largely on family correspondence. It shows that the farm provided fresh produce for the household, and also supplied the local market. Although most of the Birmingham landed bourgeoisie engaged in agriculture primarily as a leisure occupation rather than as a commercial enterprise, Austen Chamberlain took scientific farming seriously, and it is suggested that Highbury might be more appropriately described as a 'model farm' than as a 'hobby farm'. The article also considers the views held by certain members of the Chamberlain and Cadbury families on contemporary issues of agrarian reform, and concludes that their often radical ideas reflected their commitment to progressive politics in general, rather than their personal experience of small-scale farming on their estates.