The management of some South Yorkshire landed estates in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, linked with the central economic development of the area (1700-1850).

Between 1700 and 1850 South Yorkshire contained some of the most valuable
portions of a number of Britain's greatest landed estates. Industrialization brought increased population, mineral working, industrial and
transport development, agricultural change and urbanization. This increased
the values of property absolutely and in relation to holdings elsewhere.
This thesis examines the role of estates in these processes, assesses their
contribution and gains, and seeks to establish the extent to which landowners were passive rent receivers and investors. 'Pure rent' receipts
increased, but estate administrations also played a wide-ranging and positive
role. Investments changed the relative value of land, generating increased
rents from resources previously under utilized.
Reactions to opportunity were not uniform. The 'commercial ethos of
economic individualism' penetrated in differing degrees, and material
circumstances differed within this area. The availability of alternative
supplies of capital and enterprise, changes in family priorities among
owners and changes in the economic climate, all influenced commitment.
Urban growth was important with mining, transport and industry, and two of
the largest estates let building land and provided market facilities until
the nineteenth century. Elsewhere village building for smaller communities
was more important.
Agriculture remained vital, but levels of landowner participation varied.
Some invested heavily, with little apparant financial strain. Others were
less liberal. Local markets for produce were buoyant for much of the
period, though price fluctuations caused problems. Estate participation
in these activities is- assessed, and estimates are presented for comparison
with practice elsewhere.2
Consumption was the alternative to investment. An analysis of its extent
and effects aids understanding of the large landowners' roles.3
The wealth and rentals of landowners grew astronomically in this period,
as much the produce of a favourable environment and prior claim on resources
as of astute administration. Large owners were active in South Yorkshire
economic development, in varying degrees, but 'unearned' rental increments
probably outweighed interest and profits. Professionalization of administration meanwhile served the end of consumption as much as development.