Arthur Young (1741-1820), Agriculturalist, traveller and writer

Sitter in 6 portraits
Writer on agricultural reforms, Young was significant in pioneering new farming methods in Britain. He wrote several books in the 1770s based on his tours of England and Ireland and edited the Annals of Agriculture (1784-1809). Opinion is divided on his farming methods. He strongly supported enclosures which meant that open farm land and commons were fenced off and divided up in private ownership, a process which generated controversy. He also introduced new cattle feeds, agricultural implements, new crops, and drainage techniques to achieve higher productivity.