Join us for an enlightening discussion with William Franklin, as he explores the origins and impact of this pivotal aspect of local history
In historical terms, "enclosures" refer to the process of converting common lands into privately owned property, typically through legal or legislative means. This practice gained prominence in England during the 16th to 19th centuries. Enclosure involved fencing off or consolidating parcels of land that were previously held in common by local communities or used for grazing livestock. The intention behind enclosure varied, but it often aimed to increase agricultural productivity, promote efficient land use, and facilitate the introduction of new farming techniques.
Discover how enclosure reshaped the landscape and community of Histon and Impington, shedding light on the socio-economic and cultural dynamics at play in our villages.
Biog
After retiring from a career as a mental health nurse and NHS manager, William Franklin dedicated himself to researching the local landscape and agricultural history of Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, and Northamptonshire. He has authored numerous books and papers on these topics, including a detailed study of The Parliamentary Enclosure of Burwell published in 2016, considered one of the most comprehensive enclosure histories for any parish in England or Wales.
William is an esteemed member of the Council of the Cambridge Antiquarian Society and serves as treasurer of the Cambridgeshire Record Society.