[shrubble]

Laurie Lee was born in 1914 and as a child, witnessed these changes, but he could also know from interacting with those much older, how little the basic rhythms of life had changed up until then.

Literacy in earlier years, from a quick search, still seems to be debated as the line for literacy is whether the person could sign their name to the marriage register, which is a low bar.

[reillyse]

Ok, so I guess the litmus test is asking someone born in 1814 did they think they were living in a place that was changing fast - and I think you'd find a very similar answer, thats my point. Industrial revolution - was a very very big deal and changed society permanently including the Cotswolds.