The changing urban hierarchy

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Abstract
Smith R. D. P. (1968) The changing urban hierarchy, Reg. Studies 2, 1–19. An attempt to identify changes in the ranking of towns as central places in England (outside Greater London) since 1938. A ranking in nine Sub-orders for 1965 is compared with a five-order ranking devised by Prof. A. E. Smailes using pre-war data. A wide range of indicators is studied, excluding Local Government administration which is under review. Principal conclusions are: general stability, and more gains than losses of status. Gains are concentrated in the Home Counties and Lancashire, and losses in the East Pennines. In declining areas main centres have mostly held or gained status. Cases of adjacent towns showing opposite trends are indicated and significant new central places identified. A comparison with bus service centres is made and the findings are mentioned where they seem to be significant. Common to both this and the bus services studies is the conclusion that there is a growing number of minor centres on the margin between town and village.

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