How the open fields or common …

The open field system was crafted for the feudal manorial social system. This provided the chance where the lord’s holdings could be intermixed and cultivated with those of the peasants.

individual peasant holdings in the form of strips scattered among the different fields

crop rotation

common grazing

The main reason for the initiation of the enclosure movement are as follows:

i) Farmers were able to develop their property, cut costs and introduce new farming methods.

ii) The original holdings increased as the smaller farms were now available for sale and purchase.

iii) Regular work became available for the landless agricultural workers instead of previously seasonal work.

iv) Both food productivity and quality increased, benefitting the population overall. This eventually led to the growth of cities and the industrial revolution.