Introduction from Above: Intentional Spread of Common-Field Systems by Feudal Authorities Through Colonization and Reorganization

Abstract

In my paper I will try to challenge the prevalent conceptions of the origin and dating of the common-field system on two points: (1): The claim of Joan Thirsk for Britain and of Helmut Hildebrandt for Germany of an origin in the high Middle Ages---12th or at the earliest 10th century-is wrong1. The common-field system was in some continental core regions well developed by the 8th century. (2): Most scholars who worked on the orgins of common-field systems, give highest priority to an evolution on the level of field neighbours or parceners of furlongs, and of village communities for the village fields. This evolution could be called introduction from below, in contrast to an introduction from above, through the institution of lordship-the local feudal lord, territorial lordship or the Crown. Their role has, as Bruce Campbell stressed, been underestimated2. I shall give examples from Central Europe which will demonstrate and underline the important role of authorities above the village level for the introduction of common fields. Most adherents of an introduction from below agree upon two points: Common-field systems evolved in an almost natural way under growing population pressure, which-increased by partible inheritance-leads to fragmentation of plots, piecemeal colonization of new fields, increasing intermingling of property. This process finally necessitates cooperation of field neighbours to avoid rising difficulties with stubble and fallow grazing: fallow fields and cropped fields are separated by mutual agreement. In each and every village where the pressure situation arrived at a certain point, change from individual to common rotations was a sheer necessity. Interference or coordination from the side of the lord is thought to have been unnecessary. The village or parcener communities are thought to have been more or less independent in organizing cropping affairs3. In contrast to this conception of many parallel inventions on the grassroot level of individual farming communities, another group of authors, including Titow, Mary Harvey and especially Bruce Campbell have discussed the possible role of lords above the village community'. From written sources we may get some answer to the question: What were the vested interests and needs of