Agricultural History Review, Volume 62 Part 2 (2014), pp. 278–293

The use of land sales to cover the costs of an enclosure has received relatively little attention, and published studies have concentrated on specific areas of the country. This paper examines the patterns of use throughout England. It looks at who bought the lots concerned and compares the amounts bought by different groups with what they would have received had they had their full entitlement and covered the costs through a rate charge. The results indicate that the larger landowners tended to gain less than they would otherwise have done, while outsiders, smaller landowners and even labourers took the opportunity to acquire or increase their holdings. 

Complete Volume PDF