Summary: Farming Methods and Livestock
Key dates:
The farmers were mainly cattle farmers and all the prices and values of property were given in terms of cattle. These cattle grazed on outland pastures in summer, providing milk, butter, cheese and cream. In winter, many of the cattle were killed off so beef, bread and porridge became the main winter foods. These cattle were similar to todays but smaller. They also kept pigs, sheep and goats. The field nearest to the house was known as the infield and was usually tilled. Fields began to be separated by stone walls, ditches or oak fences.
From the early Christian period, new and heavier ploughs were used and these were drawn by oxen. In the 7th and 8th centuries there was a big expansion in agriculture and much more land was ploughed. Coulters were large blades suspended from the beam of the plough in front of the share and used to cut the sod.
Corn was reaped with bill-hooks and sickles. The corn was then dried in drying kilns and ground on querns or in large water mills. Flax was grown also.
The Vikings are more associated with the development of towns, not farming, but there is evidence that many Norsemen became skilful farmers.
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