In England the movement for enclosure began in the 12th century and proceeded rapidly in the period 1450–1640, when the purpose was mainly to increase the amount of full-time pasturage available to manorial lords.

Who started the enclosure movement?

Promulgation of the General Enclosure Act by the British Parliament. The enclosure movement started in England in the 16th century. It gained pace in the 18th century before really accelerating as a result of the General Enclosure Act of 1801.

Why was land enclosure in the 18th century?

In the 18th century, the land being enclosed was for grain production. Also, there was a rise in the English population, the population increased by four times, between 1750 and 1900. Note: Britain was going through a phase of industrialization. More people started working in urban areas.