The open field system around Shafton was still mostly intact in the 1597 when a map of the village was commissioned (Harrison & Watson 2006 [accessed 22/11/07]). There were five fields around the village called Lydgate, Eshbarrow, Townend, Nether and Heade Field. These were enclosed in a piecemeal fashion with some forming strips. There has been substantial agglomeration since 1990 mapping. The development of mineral railways through the area in the 19th century has also disturbed the field pattern. The retention of the road pattern through the fields, however, means there is fragmentary legibility of the former landscape.