Causation 6 - Enclosure

Question 1

What is the synopsis regarding Enclosure?

Answer 1

• Enclosure was not a major cause of rebellion, although it did result in tension between tenants and landlords. These issues were mainly around the changing of use from arable land to pasture, as this caused a reduction in labour. It also included the enclosing of public areas.

Question 2

How was enclosure an issue under Henry VIII?

Answer 2

Pilgrimage of Grace:

• One demand called for the removal of enclosures which had existed since 1489, excluding forest and park regions. This demand was made following the earlier 1535 enclosure riots. (This affected areas of the North specifically due to a rising population so there was increased pressure on land.)

Question 3

How was enclosure an issue under Edward?

Answer 3

Enclosure was a significant issue during the Edwardian period as it included the 1549 ‘Camping season’. The main issues were caused around the sheep-corn areas of the Midlands, where population pressures added to the existing tension.

Kett’s Rebellion:

• The first article of Kett’s demands attacked enclosure and the rebellion was triggered over a dispute between landowners. Kett removed his own fences and lead the attack on Flowerdew’s fences.
• The biggest concern among the rebels was when landlords would take over and enclose public land.

Question 4

How was enclosure an issue under Elizabeth?

Answer 4

Oxfordshire Rebellion:

• The government had lifted restrictions on enclosing fields in 1593, causing new enclosures to develop. The rising was staged at one of the enclosure sites despite only 4 men turning up. (Showing how the commons were less likely to rebel toward the end of the period.)