Episode 53 The Squires of Old England

The power of the squire emerged from the dispersal of property following the dissolution of the monasteries and accelerated in the new century so that they were able to press parliament's case against the orthodox aristocracy.  Looking for changes and differences - always my calling cards, you may have noticed - the story of these major families may explain why our grandparents moved, changed their work patterns or addresses or even emigrated. While the conventional sources of history are as important as ever, this episode highlight some more uncommon sources to inform our subject