The Decline and Fall of the British Aristocracy.

Abstract

Part 1 Intimations of mortality: the embattled elite the decline and dispersal of territorial wealth the erosion of local control the eclipse of a senatorial order the demise of patrician professionals the corruption of public life the dilution of select society. Part 2 The light of common day: from leisured class to labouring aristocracy lost causes and disappointed hopes the politics of paranoia the reconstruction of social prestige World War II the end of the affair perceptions and perspectives.