Legal Definitions - virgata

A virgata is a historical unit of land measurement, primarily used in medieval England. It refers to a specific fraction of a larger landholding, though its precise size could vary depending on the context and local customs.

• A quarter of an acre: In some contexts, a virgata represented a quarter of an acre. An acre is a common unit of land area, roughly equivalent to 4,047 square meters or about 0.4 hectares. Therefore, a virgata, in this sense, would be approximately 1,012 square meters or 0.1 hectares.
• A quarter of a hide: More commonly, a virgata was understood as a quarter of a "hide" of land. A hide was a much larger and more variable unit, historically considered enough land to support a single household and its dependents, often ranging from 60 to 120 acres (or even more, depending on the quality of the land). Consequently, a virgata, when defined as a quarter of a hide, would also be a substantial, though variable, parcel of land, potentially ranging from 15 to 30 acres or more.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of "virgata":

• Example 1 (Quarter of an acre):

  In the village records of Littlebrook from the 14th century, a document details the division of a small common plot among several villagers for personal gardens. One entry states, "To Elara, the weaver, for her diligent service, a parcel of land measuring one virgata next to the stream." In this specific local context, a virgata was understood to be a quarter of an acre, providing Elara with a manageable plot for cultivating vegetables and herbs for her family.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates a virgata as a smaller, more precise measurement equivalent to a quarter of an acre, used for defining modest land grants or divisions within a community.

• Example 2 (Quarter of a hide for inheritance):

  When Sir Reginald, a feudal lord, passed away in 1250, his will outlined the inheritance for his three sons. His youngest son, Arthur, was granted "two virgatas of arable land from the northern fields of the manor." Since the manor's land was traditionally measured in hides, this meant Arthur received half of a hide, a significant amount of farmland (potentially 30-60 acres) intended to provide for his household and future agricultural endeavors.

  Explanation: Here, "virgata" refers to a quarter of a hide, illustrating its use in dividing larger feudal estates for inheritance. The "two virgatas" emphasize its fractional nature relative to the hide.

• Example 3 (Quarter of a hide for feudal obligations):

  During a royal survey in the 11th century to assess land for taxation and military service, the records for the Barony of Stonehaven noted that each tenant farmer was expected to cultivate and pay dues on a holding of "one virgata." In this region, a virgata was consistently defined as a quarter of a hide, meaning each farmer was responsible for a substantial parcel of land, perhaps 25 acres, which determined their feudal obligations and the amount of produce or service they owed to the lord and the Crown.

  Explanation: This example connects the virgata (as a quarter of a hide) to the system of feudal obligations and taxation, highlighting its role in defining the economic and social responsibilities of individuals within medieval society.