Facts

The value of land in England had political, social and economic undertones. Land was mandatory prerequisite for election into Parliament,while in the counties,was a requirement for the right to vote. During this period,the landed class had political power and interestingly, Parliament was controlled by landowners. Furthermore,in the local sphere, the Justice of Peace-the squire-was the most important personality.He was the largest landowner in the village. As Magistrate and leader of the local society,he combined political and social power. In addition,the owner of the land made profits by selling its produce or leasing the land for high rents to tenant farmers. The foregoing resulted in the the emergence of wealthy traders,who bought land as investments which was converted as a means to political power and social ostentation. The House of Commons, influenced by a few big landowners, sponsored bills which became laws. These laws were against the wishes of a large number of small fa...