Commons - GCSE History Definition

In GCSE History, commons means shared land and resources that people in a village or town used together. This land was used for things like grazing animals, collecting firewood, or growing food, and it was very important for poorer people who didn’t own land themselves. This system worked for many years, but during the 18th and 19th centuries, a lot of common land was taken over by wealthy landowners through the Enclosure Acts. The land became private property, and many poor families lost their rights to use it. This caused big changes in rural life, forced many people to move to towns, and played a key role in the Industrial Revolution.

In a different context, the word Commons in GCSE History can also refer to the House of Commons, which is part of the British Parliament. The House of Commons is where elected MPs (Members of Parliament) meet to make laws and discuss how the country should be run. It became more important over time, especially as the power of the monarch weakened. For example, during the English Civil War, one key issue was whether the King (Charles I) or Parliament — including the House of Commons — should have more control.

Learning about the House of Commons helps students understand how democracy in Britain developed, how power shifted from kings to elected leaders, and why events like the Glorious Revolution and Reform Acts were so important.