Episode 7. Power and Protest in England – 1714 to 1785

In Episode 7, Professor Carl Griffin (University of Sussex) discusses the changing landscape of England as enclosure accelerates, transforming the social dynamics of the countryside as peasants become wage labourers and their rights to use the ‘common land’ is diminished.

Professor Griffin reflects on this period of protest over enclosure, food and mechanisation, examining the development and use of the Riot Act from 1715 onwards and the possibility of social negotiation. The Riot Act enabled landowners to engage the military and use deadly force; the consequences for protest could be prison or transportation to the colonies. By the end of this period, and increasingly by the end of the 18th century, voices were being raised for major political reform.

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