Nineteenth-century Britain : integration and diversity : the Ford lectures delivered in the University of Oxford 1986-1987

This is a study of two conflicting trends in nineteenth-century Britain: the promotion of integration and unity through improved communications and mobility, and the commitment to preserve regional diversity (but without losing political union), particularly on the part of the Welsh and the Scots. The various aspects which served to unite or divide the regions are examined: the church and religious belief, eating and drinking habits, the political system, commercial development, education, language, literature and music. The author concludes that there was a "British" nation which was consolidated during the century. Although not uniform in character, it held together through the supreme test of World War I under the political guidance of a Welshman whose first language was not English and the spiritual guidance of an Archbishop of Canterbury who was a Scot.