CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



Origin and History of Commons. 



page 

 Description of Commons London Commons Rural Commons Origin 

 of Commons Village Communities Folk- Lands Rise of the 

 Feudal System Manors The Statute of Merton Copyholders 

 Customs of Villagers Gateward's ease Agitation against in- 

 closures in sixteenth century Origin of Inclosure Acts Extent 

 of Commons inclosed under Acts Effect on Rural Labourers 

 General Inclosure Act of 1845 Origin of new movement 

 against inclosures 1 26 



CHAPTER II. 



The Committee of 1865 on Metropolitan Commons. 



Proposals in 1864 for Wimbledon Common Complaints of inclosure of 

 London Commons Committee of 1845 Enquiry into inclosures 

 Proposal for purchase by the Metropolitan Board of Works 

 Report of Select Committee 27 38 



CHAPTER III. 



The Commons Preservation Society. 



Renewed inclosures of London Commons Epping Forest inclosures 

 Founding of Commons Society to resist inclosures Commencement 

 of suits Proceedings in Courts of Law Sir H. Peek's prizes for 

 Essays on Commons 39 46 



CHAPTER IV. 



Hampstead Heath. 



Description of Hampstead History of Manor Lord of the Manor's 

 proposals to grant building leases Resistance in Parliament 



