The records that accompany enclosure provide rich detail for both the genealogist and the local historian. The Commissioners in charge of enclosure then drew up a full description of the lands in the parish or township that were to be enclosed, showing which lands each owner received.

The description of the lands was very detailed, showing where it was in relation to other awarded land and also in relation to natural features such as rivers and drains. The acreage of each allottment was recorded.

Many enclosure awards are also accompanied by a large scale map showing the exact position of each piece of land (although many enclosure plans are not accurate in terms of scale or absolute topography). A complete set of records for a parish that mentions an ancestor can therefore show which land he owned, where his house was and who his neighbours were. The description of land in relation to natural features and other land and property can mean that it is possible to identify the current location of this property, even though the original house is no longer standing.