Afterwards, he was English master at Ashby Grammar School and then lecturer in history at the University College's Department of Adult Education.
His most active period was 1953–1966, when he contributed important essays and articles, such as that on 'Enclosure and Labour Supply', as well as two books: The Workshop of the World: British Economic History from 1820–1880 (1961; 2nd ed.
... [H]is contributions have undoubtedly made a permanent impact on the general history of agrarian change and population growth in this country.
He presided over, and inspired a department of Economic and Social History which although never large in numbers has proved one of the most fruitful in the country.
In private life his extraordinary range of interests, his love of music and literature, his enormous sense of fun, and fabulous fund of stories made him the liveliest of friends and the centre of any gathering.