Legal Definitions - plowland

Plowland, also historically known as a carucate, was a medieval unit of land measurement used primarily in parts of England under Danish influence (the Danelaw). It represented the amount of land that could be cultivated by a single team of oxen and a plow in one agricultural year. The actual size of a plowland in acres was not fixed; it varied considerably depending on factors such as soil fertility, local farming practices, and the efficiency of the plow team. This unit was crucial for assessing land value, determining tax obligations, and calculating feudal services owed by tenants to their lords.

• Example 1: Domesday Book Assessment
  Imagine a historical record from the 11th century, such as an entry in the Domesday Book, describing a village manor. It might state, "The manor of Winstone contains five plowlands, sufficient for five plow teams." This indicates that the manor was assessed as having enough arable land to support five full plowing operations, which would then be used to calculate the lord's tax liability to the Crown.

  Explanation: This example illustrates "plowland" as a unit of assessment for agricultural capacity and taxation. The mention of "five plow teams" directly links it to the concept of land that could be worked by a specific plowing effort, forming the basis for economic and administrative calculations.

• Example 2: Feudal Land Grant
  A powerful medieval baron might grant a loyal knight "two plowlands" within his estate in exchange for military service and an annual tribute. This grant would specify the land suitable for cultivation, allowing the knight to establish a farm and support himself and his family, thereby fulfilling his feudal obligations to the baron.

  Explanation: Here, "plowland" serves as a quantifiable measure of productive land transferred in a feudal agreement. It signifies land capable of generating agricultural output, which was the primary source of wealth and sustenance in the medieval period, directly tying the land's potential to the knight's ability to fulfill his duties.

• Example 3: Medieval Land Dispute
  During a medieval court proceeding concerning a boundary dispute between two neighboring villages, one village might argue that a contested parcel of land should be considered part of their "plowland" because it has historically been tilled by their villagers' oxen. The opposing village might counter that the land is marshy and unsuitable for plowing, thus not qualifying as "plowland" and therefore not subject to the same agricultural taxes or rights.

  Explanation: This scenario highlights "plowland" as a descriptive classification of land based on its suitability for cultivation. The dispute revolves around whether the land meets the criteria of being arable and productive, which would have significant implications for ownership, use, and associated obligations like taxes and feudal services.