The open field system was a prevalent agricultural system in medieval Europe until the 20th century. It was characterized by the division of land into scattered strips, communal regulation, and private ownership. This system was widely practiced in northern Europe, including England, France, Germany, and Slavic countries.
Key Facts
- Land Division: Each manor or village had two or three large fields, usually several hundred acres each, which were divided into many narrow strips of land called selions or ridges.
- Strip Cultivation: Peasants, often called tenants or serfs, cultivated several strips of land scattered around the manor. The scattered nature of family holdings ensured that families received a ration of both good and poor land, minimizing risk.
- Co-operation and Regulation: The open-field system necessitated co-operation among the residents of the manor. The community had rules and regulations to prevent overgrazing and to regulate planting, harvest, and pasturing.
- Lord’s Rights and Demesne: The Lord of the Manor had rights given to him by the king and levied rents on the tenants. The Lord also had personal lands called a demesne, which the tenants were required to work on.
- Common Usage: The open-field system included common pasture land, waste land, woodland, and meadows for common usage by the villagers. The tenants pastured their livestock on fallowed fields and on the planted fields after harvest.
- Manorial Administration: The Lord of the Manor, his officials, and a manorial court administered the manor and exercised jurisdiction over the peasantry.
- Decline and Enclosure: The open-field system gradually declined and was replaced by private ownership of land, especially after the 15th century. The rise of capitalism and the concept of land as a commodity led to the demise of the open-field system.
Land Division and Strip Cultivation
The open field system involved the division of land into two or three large fields, each covering hundreds of acres. These fields were further subdivided into narrow strips called selions or ridges. Peasant farmers, often known as tenants or serfs, cultivated several of these strips scattered around the manor. This distribution ensured that families had access to both good and poor land, minimizing the risk of crop failure.
Co-operation and Regulation
The open field system required cooperation among the residents of the manor. The community had established rules and regulations to prevent overgrazing and regulate planting, harvesting, and pasturing. These regulations were enforced by the community itself or by the Lord of the Manor and his officials.
Lord’s Rights and Demesne
The Lord of the Manor held rights granted by the king and levied rents on the tenants. The Lord also had personal lands called a demesne, which the tenants were required to work on. The demesne was typically used for growing crops and raising livestock for the Lord’s household.
Common Usage
The open field system included common pasture land, waste land, woodland, and meadows for common usage by the villagers. Tenants pastured their livestock on fallowed fields and on the planted fields after harvest. This common usage allowed villagers to share resources and support each other.
Manorial Administration
The Lord of the Manor, assisted by officials and a manorial court, administered the manor. The court exercised jurisdiction over the peasantry, resolving disputes, enforcing regulations, and collecting rents. The Lord had the authority to levy taxes, require labor from the tenants, and make decisions regarding land use.
Decline and Enclosure
The open field system gradually declined and was replaced by private ownership of land, particularly after the 15th century. The rise of capitalism and the concept of land as a commodity led to the demise of the open-field system. Enclosure, the process of consolidating scattered strips into larger, enclosed fields, became prevalent. This transition was driven by economic, social, and political factors, including the demand for more efficient agricultural practices and the desire for individual ownership of land.
References
- McCloskey, D. N. (1991). Open Field System. In J. Eatwell, M. Milgate, & P. Newman (Eds.), The World of Economics (pp. 516–519). Springer.
- Open-field system. (2023, May 16). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-field_system
- McCloskey, D. N. (1987). Open Field System. In The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics (pp. 1–3). Palgrave Macmillan.
FAQs
What was the open field system?
The open field system was a medieval agricultural system characterized by the division of land into scattered strips, communal regulation, and private ownership. It was prevalent in northern Europe until the 20th century.
How was land divided under the open field system?
Land was divided into two or three large fields, each covering hundreds of acres. These fields were further subdivided into narrow strips called selions or ridges. Peasant farmers cultivated several of these strips scattered around the manor, ensuring access to both good and poor land.
How did the open field system operate?
The open field system required cooperation among villagers. The community had rules and regulations to prevent overgrazing and regulate planting, harvesting, and pasturing. The Lord of the Manor and his officials administered the system, collecting rents and exercising jurisdiction over the peasantry.
What were the advantages of the open field system?
The open field system allowed for efficient use of land and labor, minimized the risk of crop failure due to scattered holdings, and provided common grazing and woodland for the villagers. It also fostered a sense of community and cooperation.
What were the disadvantages of the open field system?
The open field system could be inefficient due to the scattering of strips, making it difficult for farmers to manage their land effectively. It also limited technological innovation and hindered the adoption of new agricultural practices.
How did the open field system decline?
The open field system gradually declined from the 15th century onwards due to the rise of capitalism and the concept of land as a commodity. Enclosure, the process of consolidating scattered strips into larger, enclosed fields, became prevalent. This transition was driven by economic, social, and political factors, including the demand for more efficient agricultural practices and the desire for individual ownership of land.
Where was the open field system practiced?
The open field system was widely practiced in northern Europe, including England, France, Germany, and Slavic countries. It was particularly common in densely populated and productive agricultural regions.
What are some remnants of the open field system today?
Vestiges of the open field system can still be found in some parts of Europe, such as the village of Laxton in Nottinghamshire, England, where the system continues to be used. There are also examples of medieval open strip field systems in Braunton, North Devon, England, and Laugharne, Wales.