Enclosure - GCSE History Definition

In GCSE History, enclosure means turning shared land (called common land) into private land by putting up fences or hedges. This meant that ordinary people could no longer use the land to graze animals or grow food, as they had done for generations. Enclosure became common in the 18th and 19th centuries, helping farmers grow food more efficiently. However, it also forced many poor people off the land, which pushed them to move into towns and work in factories, playing a big role in the Industrial Revolution. During Elizabeth I’s reign, enclosure caused significant problems. Many people lost their homes or could no longer feed their families. Elizabeth passed laws to try to stop illegal enclosures and protect the poor, as she worried that rising poverty could lead to rebellion.