Uproar and Disorder? The Impact of Bible Christianity on the Communities of Nineteenth Century North Devon
Abstract A considerable part of the rural depopulation of North Devon in the first half of the 19th century was attributable to emigration. Examination of individual emigrants shows that the majority were not stereotypical, impoverished agricultural labourers but more substantial tradesmen, many of whom adhered to the Bible Christian faith. Although followers were described as being 'almost without exception of the lowest classes of society' (Wickes 1987: 38) and were accused of behaviour that was 'uproarious and disorderly' (North Devon Journal(NDJ) 9 December 1858); both are statements that warrant scrutiny. This article considers the impact of Bible Christianity on the inhabitants of the hamlet of Bucks Mills and the parish of Buckland Brewer. Using case studies of individuals from these areas, it investigates the characteristics of early nineteenth century Bible Christian emigrants and examines the role of their faith as a motivating factor for migration.