Mr. Shrubsole began documenting England’s estates after the referendum on Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union, known as Brexit, in 2016. Real estate prices in England are among the highest in Europe and have soared over the last generation. Mr. Shrubsole’s book documents ownership, maps unregistered land and argues that the concentration of ownership helps keep available land scarce and expensive. Mr. Shrubsole said that by publishing his research, he wanted to start a conversation. “It should prompt a proper debate about the need for land reform in England,” Mr. Shrubsole said.

Source: New York Times April 19, 2019 15:43 UTC