Originally published in 1946, this book traces the essential changes in structure, areas and in the relations between local and central authorities in England from 1832 to the Education Act of 1944. Modern English local government has developed from the industrial and scientific revolution and the growth of political democracy since 1832 and the present system is the result of an interplay between political, economic and scientific factors. The book contains a stand-alone chapter on London government and an introductory chapter on the condition of local government between 1689 and 1832.