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New data reveals a stark reality of land ownership in England, where less than 1% of the population holds dominion over half the country. Approximately 25,000 landowners, primarily aristocratic families and corporations, control this vast expanse. If divided equally among the population, each person would own just over half an acre—a parcel roughly the size of half of Parliament Square in central London. These findings, termed “astonishingly unequal,” shed light on the long-standing secrecy surrounding land distribution.
Click through the gallery to uncover the reasons behind land ownership inequality in England.
Prominent landowners in England include figures such as the Duke of Buccleuch, the King, and entrepreneur James Dyson. Additionally, large privately owned grouse moor estates account for significant portions of land ownership.
Although the concentration of land ownership among a small elite has been a long-standing reality in England, obtaining precise details about property ownership has remained notoriously challenging.
The advent of digital mapping technologies and data analysis, combined with persistent efforts from campaigners, has finally shed light on the inequalities in land ownership. These advances have made it possible to compile the statistics that were once shrouded in secrecy.
Jon Trickett, Labour MP and shadow minister for the Cabinet Office, emphasized the importance of these revelations, describing them as a pivotal moment: "The dramatic concentration of land ownership is an inescapable reminder that ours is a country for the few and not the many."
In Trickett's words: "It’s simply not right that aristocrats, whose families have owned the same areas of land for centuries, and large corporations exercise more influence over local neighbourhoods – in both urban and rural areas – than the people who live there."
Guy Shrubsole, author of 'Who Owns England?' highlights that the findings presented in his book paint a striking picture of land ownership in England, a scenario that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
“Most people remain unaware of quite how much land is owned by so few,” Shrubsole writes, adding: “A few thousand dukes, baronets and country squires own far more land than all of middle England put together.”
Land serves as a cornerstone of wealth, influencing house prices, sustaining food production, and offering enjoyment to millions. However, it also reflects deep inequalities in England, with ownership heavily concentrated in the hands of a small, privileged elite.
According to Guy Shrubsole, the aristocracy and gentry retain ownership of approximately 30% of England's land. However, this figure may understate the true extent, as ownership of 17% of land in England and Wales remains unregistered with the Land Registry.
The undeclared land in England is most likely owned by aristocratic families, whose estates have been passed down through generations for centuries. This reinforces the deep-rooted concentration of land ownership within a small, privileged group.
The ownership of many aristocratic estates remains unrecorded at the Land Registry because these properties have not been sold on the open market. This exemption allows such lands to bypass the registry’s requirements, maintaining a veil of secrecy.
Shrubsole also estimates that 18% of England’s land is under the ownership of corporations, with some of these entities based overseas or in offshore jurisdictions.
Shrubsole's estimate is grounded in data from a spreadsheet released by the Land Registry, detailing land owned by all UK-registered companies. Using this information, he has identified and listed the top 100 landowning companies, offering a clearer view of corporate dominance in England's land ownership landscape.
Topping the list of corporate landowners in England is United Utilities, a major water company. The company explained that a substantial portion of its land holdings comprises areas surrounding its reservoirs, reflecting the essential role these lands play in water management and supply.
Among the leading entries on the list of landowners is the Boughton Estate in Northamptonshire, owned by the Duke of Buccleuch.
Also prominent on the list is the Woburn Estate, owned by the Duke of Bedford.
The Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, is another significant entry on the list of prominent landholdings. These estates exemplify the legacy of aristocratic land ownership in England, with its historical and cultural significance spanning generations.
The list of major landowners also features several large grouse moor estates, known for their connection to traditional aristocratic ownership. Additionally, Beeswax Dyson Farming, a large-scale farming enterprise owned by pro-Brexit businessman James Dyson, stands out as a significant corporate landholder.
According to Shrubsole, the public sector currently owns 8% of England's land and is the most transparent about its land ownership. This openness is partly driven by efforts to publicize land intended for sale in recent years.
Residential homeowners in England collectively account for just 5% of the country’s land, underscoring the vast concentration of ownership elsewhere. Meanwhile, Shrubsole estimates that the royal family’s landholdings amount to 1.4% of England.
Conservation charities, including organizations like the National Trust and the Woodland Trust, collectively account for 2% of England’s land. Meanwhile, the church holds a smaller share, owning 0.5% of the country.
Carys Roberts, chief economist at the Institute for Public Policy Research, reflected on Shrubsole’s findings with a mix of astonishment and inevitability. She described his research results as “shocking but not surprising,” underlining the enduring and systemic nature of this inequality.
Roberts argued that the concentration of land in the hands of a few is a significant driver of wealth inequality in the country. She explained that those without access to land are effectively barred from opportunities to generate additional income, perpetuating a cycle of economic disparity.
Roberts added: "We have this idea that the class structures have changed so that the aristocracy is not as important as it used to be. What this demonstrates is the continuing importance of the aristocracy in terms of wealth and power in our society.”
Roberts highlighted a key consequence of selling public land: the loss of democratic control over these spaces. She pointed out that once sold, such land could no longer be utilized for critical public needs, such as building affordable housing or implementing environmental improvements.
Despite the stark inequalities in land ownership, the UK stands as a global leader in wealth concentration, boasting the third-highest number of millionaires in the world. This achievement is even more striking given the country's relatively small population.
Although this figure might initially seem out of place within the context of land inequalities, it becomes more understandable when considering the staggering property prices in cities like London; where a one-bedroom flat can cost £10 million (US$13 million), being a millionaire offers little in terms of personal space.
Sources: (The Guardian) (Stephen Liddell) (New Economy Brief)
See also: The silent recession and what it means
Why half of England is owned by less than 1% of the population
How the power of the few shapes the landscape of England
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New data reveals a stark reality of land ownership in England, where less than 1% of the population holds dominion over half the country. Approximately 25,000 landowners, primarily aristocratic families and corporations, control this vast expanse. If divided equally among the population, each person would own just over half an acre—a parcel roughly the size of half of Parliament Square in central London. These findings, termed “astonishingly unequal,” shed light on the long-standing secrecy surrounding land distribution.
Click through the gallery to uncover the reasons behind land ownership inequality in England.