Reassessing the influence of the aristocratic improver: The example of thefifth Duke of Bedford (1765-1802)

The significance of the aristocratic improver has been questioned by recent research which has tended to see financial return as the sole motive for a gricultural development. This paper seeks to re-assess the role of the impr oving landowner by offering the first modern study of one of its leading ex amples, the fifth Duke of Bedford (1765-1802). It argues that he was influe ntial both in his county and in the broader development of scientific agric ulture. His motivation was not financial return but derived from the intell ectual and political environment of his time. Indeed, his policy was doomed as it took no proper account of return on investment and, if generally pur sued by his class, would have quickly destroyed their elite position.