Before the enclosures: Before the late 18th century the countryside in Britain was open. i.e. it was not partitioned into enclosed lands privately owned by landlords.

New fences: When fences came up, the enclosed land became the exclusive property of landowners. The poor could no longer collect their firewood from the forests, or graze their cattle on the commons.

Restrictions: The new enclosed system put up various restrictions on the poor. They could no longer collect apples and berries, or hunt small animals for meat. Nor could they gather the stalks that lay on the fields after the crops were harvested.

Displacement of poor: In places, where enclosures happened on an extensive scale, particularly the Midlands and the countries around- the poor were displaced from the land. They found their customary rights gradually disappearing.

Migration: Deprived of their rights, and driven off the land, they tramped in search of work. From the Midlands, they moved to the southern countries of England. This was a region that was most intensively cultivated, and there was a great demand for agricultural labourers. But nowhere could the poor find secure jobs.