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Changes in the Size Distribution of Settlements in England and Wales, 1801–1968

Changes over time in the distribution of settlement sizes in England and Wales are examined by using two data sets: Town population sizes 1801–1911 and the population size of various local government units in 1968. The Cohen and Whitworth random partitioning models are applied to these data. Standard normal deviates show the increasing population concentration in large urban areas during the 19th century and the reversal of this trend in the 20th century, leading to the suggestion of maximum entropy in 1968. A comparison of the Cohen and the rank–size models suggests the greater utility of the former once the primate city is excluded from consideration. The analysis highlights the timing of critical changes in the evolution of the settlement pattern, particularly the reversal of trend in 1901.