Biography

Inclosure (or enclosure) was the process by which land that was subject to common rights was inclosed by landlords for their private use. Inclosure first began in the twelfth century and flourished after receiving statutory sanction during the thirteenth century. Between 1750 and 1800 inclosure by private act of parliament increased, and attempts were made to standardise the process by the passing of Inclosure Acts in 1801 and 1845. Claims to inclose land were presented to a commission, with inclosure awards granted to successful applicants. Turnpike Trusts were first established in 1706. They were locally-controlled bodies charged by parliament with responsibility for the upkeep of the roads. The trusts raised funds by charging road-users as they passed through their toll-gates. The trusts' responsibilities were transferred to local authorities during the nineteenth century.

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