Adapting Landscapes: The Continual Modification of Leicestershire's Open Fields

Abstract

Alterations to open field systems were examined through detailed analysis of the furlong patterns of six Leicestershire parishes. It was found that all six open field systems had been subject to significant change during their use. This included the creation of new furlongs within the open field area, expansion onto meadow and waste, and the division of furlongs to increase their numbers. Alteration of these field systems occurred piecemeal rather than in a single phase of replanning, as examples can be dated to the Saxon, medieval and early modern periods. Concentrations of alterations were found to coincide with particular agricultural regions, suggesting that such changes were a response to technological developments, the introduction of new crops or, particularly in the case of expansion onto waste, population increase and food shortage. The creation of new furlongs on areas of waste, and the alteration of existing furlong patterns, appear to have been more widespread and persistent than previously realised, suggesting a more dynamic picture of agricultural production within these systems.