Enclosures refer to the process of consolidating small landholdings into larger farms, often by fencing off common lands. This practice became widespread in England during the Agricultural Revolution, allowing landowners to increase productivity and manage their resources more efficiently. Enclosures often displaced small farmers and changed traditional farming practices. The movement towards enclosures was driven by the demand for more efficient agricultural methods and the rise of market-oriented farming. As a result, many rural communities faced significant social and economic changes, leading to increased urban migration as displaced farmers sought work in cities during the Industrial Revolution.