Describe the differences between the enclosures of the 16th century and enclosures of the late 18th century in England.

The differences between the enclosures of the 16th century and enclosures of the late 18th century in England were as given below:

16th Century Enclosures:- (i) The sixteenth century enclosures promoted sheep farming because the price of wool had gone up in the world market and rich farmers wanted to expand wool production to earn profits. They were keen to improve their sheep breeds and ensure good feed for them. They aimed at having control over large areas of land in compact blocks to allow improved breeding.
(ii) These enclosures were usually created by individual landlords.
(iii) They did not get any support from the state or the Church.
(iv) The early enclosure movement proceeded very slowly till the middle of
the eighteenth century.
18th Century Enclosures:- (i) The 18th century enclosures were for increase in food production which was necessitated due to increase in population from 7 million in 1750 to 30 million in 1900. This was due to industrialisation that had resulted in the migration of population to towns in search of jobs. It had led to increase in demand for food grains in the towns. The war with France had also disrupted import of food grains. So the landowners enclosed lands to enhance food production.
(ii) These enclosures were created on a large scale. It swept through the countryside and changed the English landscape forever. Between 1750 and 1850, 6 million acres of land was enclosed.
(iii) The enclosure movement got support from the Parliament that passed 4,000 Acts legalising these enclosures.
(iv) The enclosure movement from the middle of eighteenth century proceeded very swiftly.