BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

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Despite the extensive decline in members and influence over the
years, the organization persists to this day, albeit a skeleton of its
formal self, consisting of a vestigial executive and a few local
Habitations. 26
II
Previous studies by both Ostrogorski and Robb have sketched a
general picture of the character and activities of the Primrose League,
its source of appeal, and its purpose.
This thesis has sought
primarily to provide a systematic examination of the origin and
development of the League, its membership, as well as the geographical
basis of its strengths and weaknesses throughout the country. A
variety of materials have been examined: modern political papers,
newspapers, documents of the Primrose League pertaining to both the
central and local levels, and a number of secondary works.
An effort
has been made to provide a detailed study in the tradition of Hanham's
pathbreaking study of Conservative party organization between the
Second and Third Reform Acts,27
extending that method of analysis to
the sphere of extra-parliamentary activities.
The thesis also has sought to resurrect the Primrose League
from its long-time relegation to a footnote in British political
history, a colorful anecdote of the actions of some eccentric "Dames."
26
"Grand Habitation Number," The Primrose League Gazette,
May/June, 1981, pp. 1, 11.
27 Hanham, Elections and Party Management.