BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

million active members.
In general the Primrose League was best
represented
in regions where the Conservative party was active,
although its strength in the East Midlands testified to its ability to
flourish in areas noted for their Liberal, Nonconformist character.
The rank and
file membership comprised predominantly members of the
lower middle and middle classes, whereas the leadership was drawn
largely from influential local notables.
The thesis concludes with an examination of the political
subculture nurtured by the League, an illustration of some local
studies, and a summary of the League's performance prior to the First
World War.