enclosure

Enclosure refers to the historical process where common land, such as fields or open areas used collectively by local communities, was legally transformed into private property through fencing or boundary demarcation. This allowed landowners to control, farm, or develop land more efficiently but often displaced small farmers and common users. Enclosure was prominent during the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in Britain, and significantly impacted agriculture, social structures, and rural life. It represents a shift from communal land use to private ownership, influencing economic development and social change.