Oosthuizen, S. M. (2007). The Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia and the origins and distribution of common fields. Agr Hist Rev 55 (2). Vol 55(2), pp. 153-180.

Title:

The Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia and the origins and distribution of common fields

Issue:

Agr Hist Rev 55 (2)

Series:

Agricultural History Review

Volume:

55 (2)

Page Start/End:

153 - 180

Biblio Note

Please note that this is a bibliographic record only, as originally entered into the BIAB database. The ADS have no files for download, and unfortunately cannot advise further on where to access hard copy or digital versions.

Publication Type:

Journal

Abstract:

The paper aims to explore the hypothesis that the agricultural layouts and organisation that had developed into common fields by the high middle ages may have had their origins in the `long' eighth century, between about 670 and 840 AD. The author begins by reiterating the distinction between medieval open and common fields, and the problems that inhibit current explanations for their period of origin and distribution. The distribution of common fields is reviewed and the coincidence with the kingdom of Mercia noted. Evidence pointing towards an earlier date for the origin of fields is reviewed. Current views of Mercia in the `long' eighth century are discussed and it is shown that the kingdom had both the cultural and economic vitality to implement far-reaching landscape organisation. The proposition that early forms of these field systems may have originated in the `long' eighth century is considered, and the paper concludes with suggestions for further research.

Author:

Susan M Oosthuizen

Year of Publication:

2007

Subjects / Periods:

MEDIEVAL (Historic England Periods)
Eighth Century (Auto Detected Temporal)
Field Systems (Auto Detected Subject)
Mercia (Auto Detected Subject)

Source:

BIAB (The British & Irish Archaeological Bibliography (BIAB))

Created Date:

07 Dec 2007