William Ellis - The Forgotten Improver

I became interested in eighteenth century agriculture when I realised that my agricultural science degree had not prepared me to farm without relying on chemical pest control. 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson made me question the direction of modern agriculture even though I disagreed with some of her conclusions. The publication of the report 'Modern Farming and the Soil' convinced me that I should study the very early stages of agricultural mechanisation.

I was fortunate to discover that William Ellis(c.1690-1759) a forgotten writer had lived at Little Gaddesden; a village within easy walking distance of this farm.

Ellis records all aspects of 'hough' husbandry and the use of seed drills in his numerous books. His early books were excellent records of best practice, unfortunately his publisher required him to produce more work than his material allowed which resulted in repetition and questionable anecdotes.

Despite this erosion of his reputation, he was visited by Pehr Kalm in 1748. Kalm was a student of the sweedish botanist Carl Linnaeus.

Ellis was acquainted with many influential members of the Royal Society. As well as his books on husbandry he wrote on both brewing and cyder making.

Ellis describes the planting of hedges and digging of ponds which can be visited today.

Ellis exported some of his books and implements to Landon Carter a Virginian planter and ancestor of President Carter. The Carter family had apparently emigrated from Kings Langley (a village barely six miles away) in the seventeenth century.

This study of Ellis, as yet unpublished has shown me how my local agriculture has developed since roman times. I hope that my farming is as sustainable.

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