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Amanda Foreman concludes her examination of the political impact of the Georgian era – looking at politics on the ground.

Considering the structures of British life that created both control and freedom, Amanda asks why Britain experienced political evolution, not revolution.

In 1832 the British political elite voluntarily chose to weaken its own power for the first and only time in history. This was the result of the Reform Act, which added 130 new seats to Parliament.

While riot and rebellion was rife and often met with violent backlash from those in power, Amanda argues that the Georgian elites placed emphasis on freedom.

Meeting radicals in Newcastle and evangelical conservatives in the Mendip hills, Amanda examines how the ordinary disenfranchised man and woman increasingly invested in politics and civic life, transforming how the elected related to the people.

Amanda examines the formative years of British politics when the most important structures of British life we value and recognise today were established – and all in the shadow of revolution. It paints a picture of the Georgian legacy, one where decadence and scandal takes a backseat to proto-democracy and social reform.

Producer: Katherine Godfrey

A Whistledown production for Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2014.