In this episode of "Stuff You Should Know," Josh and Chuck delve into the history of "Fencing the Commons," explaining how common land in England was gradually enclosed and privatized, leading to significant social and economic changes. They trace the origins of the commons system back to the Norman conquest and discuss how it provided resources for commoners. The conversation covers the Statute of Merton, the impact of the Black Death, and the subsequent waves of enclosure driven by the profitability of wool and the rise of textile manufacturing. They also explore the social unrest caused by enclosure, including peasant revolts and the actions of groups like the Diggers and Chartists, and the eventual shift towards preserving commons for public benefit. The episode concludes with listener mail about the pagan roots of Easter.
