One of the most thorough surveys of probate inventories yet published, it is based on an analysis of 846 inventories made in the parishes of Dawley, Lilleshall, Wellington and Wrockwardine between 1660 and 1750. All are listed and the texts of 265 of the most interesting are printed in full. Agriculture is also examined in depth and the large farms on the fringe of the Cheshire cheese region contrasted with the smaller holdings on the coalfield. There is a detailed analysis of the mercers of Wellington, together with surveys of the dyeing, leather and other trades.