Enclosures Rhyme tea towel

£14.00
100% Organic Cotton
Made in the UK
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  • Sturdy half panama unbleached US cotton (48cm x 70cm)
  • Our special inks mean that colours last in the wash
  • Includes hanging loop
  • Designed and manufactured in the UK
  • Delivery with Royal Mail, free on orders over £35
  • 100-day money back guarantee if you change your mind

The Goose and the Common was a protest rhyme probably first coined at the end of the 17th century. It rails against the process of enclosure, whereby land which had been traditionally farmed by peasants or grazed by their livestock was enclosed for the use of the landed gentry who technically held the deeds. It thereby ceased to be land for communal use and was often made into private pasture or hunting grounds. As a consequence, vast numbers of poor were deprived of a means of feeding themselves and  there was steady depopulation of the countryside.

Various versions of this anonymous verse exist – it’s a cry against the effects of unbridled private ownership and neoliberal values. Still relevant today, perhaps?

The backdrop on this tea towel is from a painting by a 19th century Italian artist, Antonio Montemezzo.

Half Panama unbleached organic cotton (heavy weight, textured finish). Stitched on all four sides. Includes hanging loop. Measures approximately 48cm x 70cm. Machine wash at 40 degrees centigrade max. We recommend that before you use your tea towel for the first time you wash it at least once to soften up the material and make it more absorbent for drying dishes. Please note size can vary slightly.