Agricultural History Review, Volume 55 Part 2 (2007), pp. 153–180

This paper aims to explore the hypothesis that the agricultural layouts and organisation that had developed into common felds by the high middle ages may have had their origins in the ‘long’ eighth century, between about 670 and 840 AD. It begins by reiterating the distinction between medieval open and common felds, and the problems that inhibit current explanations for their period of origin and distribution. The distribution of common felds is reviewed and the coincidence with the kingdom of Mercia noted. Evidence pointing towards an earlier date for the origin of felds is reviewed. Current views of Mercia in the ‘long’ eighth century are discussed and it is shown that the kingdom had both the cultural and economic vitality to implement far-reaching landscape organisation. The proposition that early forms of these feld systems may have originated in the ‘long’ eighth century is considered, and the paper concludes with suggestions for further research. 

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