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The Countryman
history
Prior to the 1920s, when J W Robertson Scott
decided to create a magazine for the countryside, little had
changed in rural areas for centuries and there was a great
gulf between the haves and have-nots with very little in-between.
Most working-class country folk lived a simple
life; many still doffed their caps to the squire; they worked
on his estate or in his house or eked out a meagre living as
a tenant on one of his farms. Few people had cars and the bulk
of visitors were the better off from the cities and larger
towns. |
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Writers, artists and poets
had told the story of the countryside for hundreds of years;
their hazy, sentimental visions often giving an unbalanced
view to outsiders. Scott detested that particular portrayal
of the countryside and set about trying to change people’s
perceptions. Then World War Two was to have a dramatic effect
on all that had gone before. The government grasped its chance
to take control of the countryside – and its grip on
agriculture and land management has tightened ever since.
Just as importantly, the countryside has
since opened up to everyone; what was once almost a private
club is now embraced by all. There are myriad concerned and
active societies, trusts and agencies looking after every aspect
of rural life from wildlife to pesticides, from hedgerows to
traffic pollution. Also, town and country have merged through
extensive urban development, the country-to-city commuter has
evolved and weekend trippers have helped themselves to a piece
of the country. |
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Consequently,
over the last 80 years The Countryman has had to change and adapt to reflect
not only the state of the countryside but also all those different
people with an interest in its nature, beauty and well-being.
Some of Scott’s early
passions still survive, such as The Countryman not holding allegiances
to any particular political party or promoting blood sports.
My aim as a 21st-century editor is to bring to a new breed
of country lovers, and those who live and work in it, a miscellany
of interest and entertainment which is stimulating in parts,
relaxing in others but which most of all should leave the reader
with a good feeling – as if they have enjoyed a special
day out in the country. |
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