Of Cabbages and Kings

Caroline Foley

This colourful and lively history book tells the story of allotments from their origin in the 17th century protests against enclosures to the present day. Will include the effects of the Napoleonic Wars, the Corn Laws, the Diggers, the role of allotments in both World Wars and the present-day revival. The author champions the history of allotments in the hope of protecting them for the future.

Media Reviews:

'The gallop through the history of useful rather than ornamental crops makes a refreshing change from stately gardening. The Spectator 'An excellent account detailing the changing practice and importance of the patch you hope to take on - read it while you work your way up that long waiting list.' -- Annalee Mather The Independent 'One for the history shelf.' -- Iain Finlayson The Times 'Foley's book reminds us that the right to share the earth has always been an asymmetric struggle.' The Guardian 'A history of England from an unusual but illuminating angle' Country Life 'I suggest you read this book. You will never again underestimate how precious and precarious a stake in the land is.

'Gardens Illustrated'