Legal Definitions - ferlingum

Ferlingum is an older or alternative spelling for furlong, a historical unit of linear measurement. A furlong is equivalent to one-eighth of a mile, 660 feet, or 220 yards. Historically, it was widely used in England for measuring land, particularly in agricultural contexts, representing the typical length of a furrow in a common field. While less common in modern everyday use, the term can still be found in historical legal documents, property deeds, and certain specialized fields like horse racing.

• Example 1: Historical Property Deed
  A 14th-century deed detailing the transfer of a parcel of land specifies its dimensions as "extending three ferlingum to the north and two ferlingum to the west from the ancient oak tree."

  Explanation: This illustrates "ferlingum" as a unit of land measurement in historical legal documents. The deed uses the term to precisely define the property's extent, indicating distances of 1980 feet (3 x 660 feet) and 1320 feet (2 x 660 feet) from a landmark, which would be crucial for establishing ownership boundaries.

• Example 2: Agricultural Survey for Enclosure
  An 18th-century survey map, prepared for an Enclosure Act, labels a long strip of communal farmland as "The Long Ferlingum," indicating a section of land approximately 660 feet in length, suitable for plowing in a single furrow.

  Explanation: Here, "ferlingum" refers to a specific, named section of land whose dimensions were historically understood to be a furlong. This shows its use in agricultural and land management contexts, particularly during periods of significant land reform when common lands were being divided and allocated.

• Example 3: Historical Legal Dispute over Rights of Way
  In a 17th-century court case concerning a public right of way across private land, a witness testifies that "the ancient path runs for a full ferlingum from the village green to the river crossing."

  Explanation: This example demonstrates "ferlingum" being used in legal testimony to describe the length of a public easement or path. The witness is specifying a precise distance of 660 feet, which would be crucial for determining the exact extent of the right of way in the dispute and establishing its legal boundaries.