The nature of conservative ideology is and will continue to be warmly contested. In this short and lively history, Mark Garnett contends that the disagreements have been particularly strong in the instance of British conservatism because the ideological label continues to be used by a prominent political part. Whether hostile or friendly in intent, commentators have found it difficult to avoid the assumption that British "conservatism" must be reflected in the policy platforms of the Conservative Party. This book presents an account of British conservatism which avoids the usual confusion between the ideology and the stated principles of a party that prides itself on an ability to change its views according to circumstances. It shows, since the Tory Party adopted the name "Conservative" in the 1830s, that it has become increasingly difficult to associate its varying positions with a coherent "conservative" position, so that it is more profitable to discuss its ideological history from the perspective of liberalism and nationalism.