In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries revolutionary dissent, political upheaval and social protest spread throughout Europe -- and Wales was no exception. In this unique examination of British social history, J.E. Thomas focuses upon the power of the local gentry in Wales, and their relationship with the poor and potentially revolutionary population. Early explosions of protest were seen all over Wales, coinciding with the aftermath of the American Revolution, and the equally seismic events of the French Revolution, while later revolts went on to provide serious challenges to the British state. Social Disorder in Britain is an important contribution to the study of the history of religion, social protest and the rise of revolutionary movements, and will be essential reading for students and researchers of British history as well as those interested in revolution more generally.