During the 18th century, the landscape and economy of much of Northamptonshire was transformed as a result of the Parliamentary Enclosure of the fields. Key elements in this process were the skill and hard work of surveyors who took measurements of the land concerned and created detailed maps of the previous arrangements as well as setting out the boundaries and other aspects of enclosure awards. One of the surveyors involved was Wellingborough-born Thomas Cowper (1712-1778).
Probably the only 18th-century surveyor to leave a diary which still survives, Cowper had a varied and unusually well-documented career, initially as a schoolmaster in his home town. His house was one of the many in Wellingborough that were destroyed by fire in 1738. There is extensive evidence of his skill in mathematics and astronomy. His first known survey was undertaken in 1753. Particularly interesting aspects of the book are illustrated explanations of the surveying instruments available in Cowper's generation and how they were used.
In addition to transcriptions of the diary (1765-66), this book includes some journal-like entries from his notebooks, including an account of a journey to London in 1759 and the survey of the River Nene in 1760. There are many clues to Cowper's character and preoccupations. While clearly prioritising the well-being of his wife and children, he was also to be found in public houses in Northamptonshire and the other areas to which his work took him. These included enclosure surveys of places as far afield as Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Huntingdonshire and Warwickshire.
An appendix provides details of the principal people who were mentioned in Thomas Cowper's writings. The index helps readers to find references to a much larger number of individuals, as well as places and other topics. There is also a useful Glossary to explain the many specialist words to be found.