Enclosure refers to the process of converting common land into privately owned land, often by erecting fences or walls. This practice was common in England during the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to significant changes in agriculture and land use. It allowed landowners to control their resources more effectively, but it also displaced many small farmers and altered traditional farming practices. The enclosure movement played a crucial role in the development of modern agriculture and the rise of the Industrial Revolution. By consolidating land, it increased efficiency and productivity, but it also contributed to social changes, including urban migration as displaced farmers sought work in cities.