Enclosure

Quick Facts: Who was Enclosure?

Subject:

Enclosure

Known for:

The process of appropriating common land in England, leading to private ownership.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Enclosure or inclosure is a term, used in English landownership, that refers to the appropriation of "waste" or "common land", enclosing it, and by doing so depriving commoners of their traditional rights of access and usage. Agreements to enclose land could be either through a formal or informal process. The process could normally be accomplished in three ways. First there was the creation of "closes", taken out of larger common fields by their owners. Secondly, there was enclosure by proprietors, owners who acted together, usually small farmers or squires, leading to the enclosure of whole parishes.

Career & Major Achievements

Finally there were enclosures by acts of Parliament. The stated justification for enclosure was to improve the efficiency of agriculture. However, there were a range of motives, one example being that the value of the land enclosed would be substantially increased. There were social consequences to the policy, with many protests at the removal of rights from the common people. Enclosure riots are seen by historians as 'the pre-eminent form' of social protest from the 1530s to 1640s.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

After William I invaded and conquered England in 1066, he distributed its land amongst 180 barons, who held it as his tenants in chief, establishing a feudal system. However, he promised the English people that he would keep the laws of Edward the Confessor. Thus commoners were still able to exercise their ancient customary rights. The original contract bound the people who occupied the land to provide some form of service. This later evolved into a financial agreement that avoided or replaced the service.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1066: 1066 Milestone — After William I invaded and conquered England in 1066, he distributed its land amongst 180 barons, who held it as his tenants in chief, establishing a feudal system.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Enclosure

True or False: “The enclosure movement was solely motivated by the desire to improve agricultural efficiency across all regions of England.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While efficiency was a stated justification, other motives included substantially increasing the value of the land enclosed.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Edward the Confessor — Historical peer (Died in 1066) (1066): Last Wessex King, pious ruler whose death marked the end of Anglo-Saxon England.
• Harald Hardrada — Historical peer (Died in 1066) (1066): Viking warlord and King of Norway, famed for his military prowess and ambitious claims.
• Encyclopædia Britannica — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A long-running, general-knowledge English-language encyclopedia.
• Endō Naotsune — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Fierce warrior and officer under the Azai clan during Japan's Sengoku period.
• Endre Ady — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A seminal Hungarian poet and journalist of the turn of the 20th century.
• English Civil War — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A series of civil wars in England (1642–1651) between Royalists and Parliamentarians.

Frequently Asked Questions about Enclosure