The Gardens of the British Working Class

This study reveals the enduring significance of gardens and gardening in utopian literature and working-class communities, tracing their evolution from the 16th century to modern times. It highlights how allotment movements, initially a response to land enclosures, created Temporary Autonomous Zones (TAZ) that fostered community and self-sufficiency among workers. The research also explores the role of company towns like Saltaire in promoting utopian ideals through garden provision, contrasting them with less recognized but equally significant communities. Additionally, it examines the rise of guerrilla gardening as a form of land reclamation and utopian expression, while noting the decline of allotments due to urban development. The study combines historical analysis with thematic exploration, offering insights into the intersection of utopia, labor, and land use in British history.

Sargent, L. T. (2016). The Gardens of the British Working Class. Utopian Studies, 27(2), 390–392. https://doi.org/10.5325/utopianstudies.27.2.0390