A map showing The distribution of The industrial and commercial population of The British Isles in The late 19th century
A map showing The distribution of The agricultural population of The British Isles
Most genealogists, if They can trace Their families back far enough, will discover Their ancestors were farmers. But, during The Middle Ages, The establishment of towns across most of Europe and increased migration to These new urban centres meant that a greater proportion of people could earn Their living solely as wage-paid tradesmen, artisans or in commercial and professional endeavours too.