Agricultural History Review, Volume 47 Part 1 (1999), pp. 78–94

In a recent 'polemic' examining the nature of the nineteenth century rural work-force, Alun Howkins emphasised the continued pervasiveness of peasant agriculture and farm service. This, he suggested, questions the legitimacy of rural historians' continued attachment to the notion of the agricultural proletarian as the main form of farm labour in nineteenth century Britain. In doing so Howkins placed all farm servants outside the category of the rural proletarian. This article considers the validity of this position and suggests that at least some nineteenth century farm servants should be regarded as proletarian labourers. 

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