Englefield Green - The Enclosure Act 1814
Century bankers and stockbrokers who became the first commuters to London with the coming of the railways were attracted by the rural charm of the village. The Green was the focal point for development with many distinguished mansions while the village remained separate growing in the area of the large sandpit which was worked from the early 19th century. The greatest expansion occurred after the construction of Royal Holloway College which has since 1886 exerted an enormous influence within the village.
In 1814 an Enclosure Act brought the remaining common lands of the area into private ownership. The green, however, was exempted for the benefit of the wealthy families who had residences around it. Englefield Green would have looked very different today, had it not been for this decision. Its open character was, however, preserved and it is this which gives it a distinctive charm today. It is Crown property, leased to the Council and is supervised by the Englefield Green Committee which consists of local Ward Members and residents' representatives.
Englefield Green