The open fields of England
The open fields of England describes the system of agriculture that operated in medieval England before the establishment of present-day hedged farms surrounded by hedges or walls. The volume encompasses a wide range of primary data not previously assembled, to which are added the results of new research based upon a fifty-year study of open-field remains and their related documents. The whole of England is examined, describing eight different kinds of field-systems that have been identified and relating them to their associated land-use and settlement. Details of field structure are explained such as the demesne, the lordĂąÂÂs land, and the tenantsĂąÂÂ holdings, as well as tenurial arrangements and farming methods. Previous explanations of open-field origins and possible antecedents to medieval fields are discussed. Various types of archaeological and historical evidence relevant to Saxon-period settlements and fields are presented, followed by the development of a new theory to explain the lay-out and planned nature of many field systems found in the central belt of England. A summary and suggestions for future research conclude the text. The numerous maps and photographs illustrate the contrasting complexities
Hall, David
open fields ; history ; England
The open fields of England. The open fields of England describes the system of agriculture that operated in medieval England before the establishment of present-day hedged farms surrounded by hedges or walls. The volume encompasses a wide range of primary data not previously assembled, to which are added the results of new research based upon a fifty-year study of open-field remains and their related documents. The whole of England is examined, describing eight different kinds of field-systems that have been identified and relating them to their associated land-use and settlement. Details of field structure are explained such as the demesne, the lordĂąÂÂs land, and the tenantsĂąÂÂ holdings, as well as tenurial arrangements and farming methods. Previous explanations of open-field origins and possible antecedents to medieval fields are discussed. Various types of archaeological and historical evidence relevant to Saxon-period settlements and fields are presented, followed by the development of a new theory to explain the lay-out and planned nature of many field systems found in the central belt of England. A summary and suggestions for future research conclude the text. The numerous maps and photographs illustrate the contrasting complexities
open_field england open_field england describe system agriculture operate medieval_england establishment present_day farm surround wall volume encompasses wide_range primary_data previously assemble add_new base_upon fifty year study open_field remains related document whole england examine describe different_kind field systems identify relate associate land_use settlement field structure explain demesne land holding well tenurial arrangement farm method previous explanation open_field origin possible antecedent medieval field discuss various_type archaeological_historical evidence relevant saxon_period settlement field present follow development new theory explain lay out nature many field_system find central belt england summary suggestion future conclude text numerous map photographs illustrate contrast complexity