Proc Dorset Natur Hist Archaeol Soc 89

Field names are used with material from written sources, fieldwork and soil studies to trace and illustrate the agricultural history of parts of Dorset from prehistoric times to the present day. The hazards of using ephemeral field names are discussed. Areas of different soil types are studied, with sketch maps, and the likely variety of early cultivation is emphasised. Expediency and ecology were important factors. A phase of small, irregular fields is postulated for the damp Blackmoor Vale gleys in pre-Conquest times before a change to an open field system. Stock elements in names illustrate the importance of stock farming. Pasture and pipe clay resources were important in the east Dorset podsol heathlands where medieval arable fields were apparently small, scattered, and perhaps spade-cultivated. An infield-outfield system is suggested for the rich brownearths of the western vales and upland chalk rendsina, giving way to open fields, in some cases open until c 1900. Recent agricultural developments are discussed and field names used to illustrate aspects of land-use including tenure, fertilizing and cropping. AH