THE MANOR AND THE VILLAGE 41 



(1) A certain number of scattered strips divided 

 amongst the open arable fields. These strips were 

 cultivated for the peasant's private advantage from 

 the time that the land was ploughed until the crop 

 was off, after which the strips would in most manors 

 revert to common use for all to feed their stock. 



(2) The right, enjoyed in most manors by freemen 

 and villeins only, to the hay crop on one or more 

 strips in the lot meadows, for which, in accordance with 

 ancient custom, an annual ballot would take place. 



(3) The right to feed cattle, oxen, horses, sheep, 

 pigs and fowls on the commons and in the woods and 

 wastes, also over the lot meadows when the hay was 

 cut, and as a rule, in addition, over the arable land 

 when crops were off. This right must have carried 

 with it a claim on the services of the village herds- 

 men. 



(4) A right to get from the woods and wastes, wood 

 for firing and building and for making fences and 

 tools, and also turf and stone or sand and other similar 

 material. 



(5) The right, contested perhaps by the lord of the 

 manor, but enjoyed nevertheless, to catch game on the 

 same area ; this was a great privilege when winter 

 food was short. 



And lastly, the peasant, if fortunate, would have 



(6) A small private close for the use of his young 

 stock. 



The plan of a manor which forms the frontispiece 

 of this book shows, so far as is possible, the various 

 features and gives the holding of a typical villein, Jack 

 Straw, marked in black. This manor is one containing 

 a single village. In it the farming is presumed to be 

 carried on upon the three-field system, and Jack Straw 



