I have promised to give a talk on the history of farming in an area now mostly covered by housing,roads, railways and airports. I have looked at some general works but would be very grateful for guidance towards more detailed sources. I am particularly interested in the changes in the nineteenth century and the disappearance of many farms. Was it purely for the obvious economic reasons? Was there more involved? How did those who sold up then cope with such a radical change to their lives or did they then settle down and enjoy a lucrative retirement? I should say that my interest in farming has come about via my walking many trails in and around London (the Capital Ring and the London Loop) and more recently the not so scenic Uxbridge Road and that one particularly prompted questions about how it it was used in the past among which, was it a Drove Road as it has many Broadways on its route?
Many thanks in advance for any comments.