Mick, the Eyleses, & Social Classes

[Amy]

The Eyleses helped poor (literally) Mick Mannock by inviting him live with them. Of what social class were the Eyleses? With Mick being an ardent socialist, were the Eyleses the same? With this all occurring before the welfare state, was it common at the time for people to invite others less fortunate to live in their homes?

Amy,
Can't remember offhand...I need to look thro' my Dudgeon biog at the weekend......
Middle class would be my guess...professional people, owned their own home..but I'll check and get back to you, either here or by email
Cheers
Paul

[spad]

the Eyles' and Mannock were at the same level of social class (where social class can be defined other than by the traditional landed gentry and those without property, the differences between lower middle class and higher middle class are largely subjective). there would have been little to differentiate them. Smiths recent biography is considerably better researched than Dudgeons on matters such as these (the technical matters are less well supported), and is a must for anyone interested in Mannock.

[spad]

Just another bit, among others GB Shaw, Rupert Brooke and the Bloomsbury set had socialist beliefs, the adoption of socialism being possibly a result of the enhanced educational system in place by the end of the Victorial era. Working class people were not necessarily Socialists and were predominantly monarchist and conservative at this time (and have largely remained so) . the war however increased awareness among the populace and led to a less deferential attitude towards the propertied classes. it shouldn't be assumed that communism and socialism are the prefered options of the dispossessed. this is i agree a simplistic and subjective answer but i am hoping to indicate that political beliefs in this country are more complex than a matter of financial status.

[Amy]

Thanks for the info. Paul & Spad!