Sources for Unit 3

Source 3A

Depressed prices

I am told however that for two or three years before the last Harvest [1842] the crops had been unusually deficient, so that not only had they no surplus to dispose of, but in many instances were obliged to purchase for their own use.

The Harvest of last year, however, was above on average; and this, combined with the diminution of demand in the iron districts of Glamorganshire, and the neighbourhood, has had the effect of throwing down prices in a ruinous proportion. Barley, which last year fetched 6s/ the Winchester bushel, realises 3s/6. Other corn has fallen almost in the same proportion. Cheese from 3 1/2d. and 4d. to 2d. Butter likewise. A large farmer at Newcastle Emlyn, who has ordinarily carried over 2 Cwt of butter per fortnight to Glamorganshire can scarcely now sell this same quantity at the reduced price, once a month. Horses are almost unsaleable – lean cattle, low – but, I think, not so low.

(W. Day, from Carmarthen, to George Cornewall Lewis, 9 July 1843, Public Record Office, Home Office papers, 45/1611 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] )