A woman's place was not just at home in early modern times

A new book by University of Exeter historians after five years of research has shone a new light on the roles of women going back hundreds of years, writes Lewis Clarke

- Lewis Clarke

THE age-old idea that women in early modern England were confined to the home has been debunked by a landmark study revealing their central role in the pre-industrial economy.

Contrary to popular belief, more than half of women’s labour between the 16th and 18th centuries occurred outside the home, with many earning income through agriculture, commerce and professional care work.

The findings are laid out in The Experience of Work in Early Modern England, a new book from historians at the University of Exeter, published this week by Cambridge University Press.

Based on a five-year European Research Council project, the research team analysed thousands of court reports and witness statements, unearthing a rich picture of daily economic activity. Lead author Professor Jane Whittle, an expert in the rural economy, said historical narratives had long underestimated the extent of women's work.