In the first half of the nineteenth century a large number of community ventures were begun in Britain. The main influence for these communities was Robert Owen. While his vision of a communitarian society was appealing, he offered little guidance as to how his ideas were to be made reality. All of those who began communities in this period faced the central question of what precise purpose a community was to serve, and how it was to contribute to the transition to the New Moral World.

This paper examines the expectations the members of Manea Fen had of their community. Like many such communities, Manea Fen was based on a blend of immediate practical concerns and a desire to contribute to the success of the communitarian vision. There were those who viewed the community as a refuge, and the chance of an easier life. However, there were others who were committed socialists, who viewed Manea Fen as an opportunity to struggle towards an improved society. Manea Fen was regarded as a genuine attempt to found an Owenite community, and the members saw their colony as a contribution to the wider cause.

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