Land Enclosure

Land enclosure refers to the process, mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries, where common open fields and shared land were transformed into private holdings enclosed by fences or walls. This allowed landowners to better control, farm, and improve their land, often leading to increased productivity. Enclosure often displaced small farmers and common users, contributing to urbanization and changes in rural society. Overall, enclosure was a significant shift in land use and property rights, impacting agricultural practices and social structures.