These titles were acquired
by being the son of such or purchase. Most gentry had a house in
London, where they spent most of their time, as well as country
mansions. About 4/5 of the land was in the hands of 7,000 of the
nobility and landed gentry due in part to entails constructed by
attorneys to favor hereditary interests. The gentry had also
profited by commerce and colonial possessions. The country life of
a country squire or gentleman dealt with all the daily affairs of
a farm. He had men plough, sow, and reap. He takes part in the
haying and getting cut grass under cover when a rain came. His sow
farrows, his horse is gelded, a first lamb is born. He drags his
pond and takes out great carps. His horses stray and he finds them
in the pound. Boys are bound to him for service. He hires
servants, and some work out their time and some run away. His hog
is stabbed. Knaves steal his sheep. He and a neighbor argue about
the setting up of a cottage. He borrows money for a daughter's
dowry. He holds a leet court. He attends church on Sunday and
reads the lesson when called upon. He visits the local tavern to
hear from his neighbors. Country folk brawl. Wenches get pregnant.
Men commit suicide, usually by hanging. Many gentlemen spent their
fortunes and died poor. New gentlemen from the lower classes took
their place.
The second class included the wealthier merchants and professional
men of the towns.
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