The Open Field SystemWhere was the open field system used?
--In 1700, 50% of British land was using the open field system. --Most of these areas were in Eastern England and the midlands. --In these areas arable farming was common and so was the open field system. What did the open field system look like? --The most common form of open field system was where villages had three big fields, with the village located in the center. --Each field could be miles across and each villager would have strips of land in each field so that each would have a share of good and bad land. Crop Rotation --Each field was planted with a different crop. There was no set pattern, but one field would have wheat, the other barley. --The third field lay fallow. The field would not be planted and the animals manure would fertilize it. --This would rotate each year. Effective? --Because villagers had common rights and worked and lived close together, this system of farming required a great deal of cooperation and to many people it appeared to be inefficient. However the system had its advantages especially for villagers. Common Land --Surrounding the open field system was the common land. --All the villagers had the right to make use of it. --Most villages would have cattle and sheep which could graze. --It could also be also used for collecting building material and fuel. Village Community --The OFS created a community. --Villagers lived in the centre of the OFS because they walked to all parts of the fields. --This meant that they saw and helped each other regularly. A village might own an ox team in common and might work together at planting. |