When I wrote my Domesday Book (2021) I wrote one brief section on Boroughs ( Section 6.1) acknowledging the way they were evolving but not detailing the subject of Burbage Plots. It has taken a night spent in the Hotel Indigo, Stratford Upon Avon, United Kingdom, previously and rightly called The Falcon Inn, to remind me of the importance of these plots both back in 1086 but also the way they have allowed for the current economic success of Stratford Upon Avon.
A
burgage plot refers to a specific type of land tenure that was prevalent in
medieval Towns across England where these plots were long and narrow strips of
land extending back from a main street. This design maximized the number of
properties with street frontage which were used to support highly valuable
commercial activities. The front part of a burgage plot, which directly faced
the street, was typically utilised for business purposes, such as shops,
workshops, or taverns. Behind these commercial fronts, the plot would often
include living quarters, along with gardens or small yards.
I have included some photographs below taken on Sunday 3rd March 2024 of the Hotel Indigo (Falcon Hotel) and their now commercially developed Burbage Plot.
Looking towards the gardens occupying the Burgage Plot
at the rear of the original Falcon Inn.
A rooftop view over Guild Chapel from the new Hotel Indigo
accommodation block sited on the Burbage Plot.
The Black and White roofed section in the middle of the picture
is part of the Falcon Inn that has a frontage on Scholars Lane.
Front Corner View of the Falcon Inn looking up
Chapel Street with Scholars Lane
(See the Road Sign on the wall by the Blue Arrow sign)
directly to the left where part of the frontage of the Falcon Inn is sited.
The main frontage to the Falcon Inn along Chapel Street.
outside the Falcon Inn in Chapel Street.
I
have copied the information below from the ruralhistoria.com website but really
encourage you to visit their site using the link I provide below. The reason I
have taken a copy is too often these days I link to a valuable web resource
only to find that it has disappeared overnight. You cannot guarantee any
websites will remain in existence so by copying the relevant content at least
you retain the information.
These links should provide with some further background with the Amazon ones on this occasion requiring you to purchase my books.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0950871869
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0950871877
Please Note : If you use the Amazon Links there is not always a return option from Amazon directly back to this Google blog. I find, like you will, this is very unsatisfactory.
Burbage Plots Article copied from ruralhistoria.com webite. Copyright Acknowledged.
What is a Medieval Burgage Plot?
Johnny Scott-Walker December
4, 2023
A burgage plot
refers to a specific type of land tenure that was prevalent in medieval towns
and cities across England and parts of Europe.
These
plots were characteristically long and narrow strips of land, extending back
from a main street or market place. This design maximized the number of
properties with street frontage, which was highly valuable for commercial
activities in bustling urban centers.
The
front part of a burgage plot, which directly faced the street, was typically
utilised for business purposes, such as shops, workshops, or taverns. Behind
these commercial fronts, the plot would often include living quarters, along
with gardens or small yards.
Burgage
plots were rented from a Lord or the King under a leasehold arrangement, with
the Tenant, known as a Burgess, paying rent in cash. This system was distinct
from the agricultural feudal system and was a key feature of the urban
landscape in medieval times.
Please Note
Links
from these Content Headings below have been deliberately left in place back to the https://ruralhistroria.com website so they
can benefit from you viewing them this way and increasing their readership
statistics. But you can just carry on reading the content below in this blog if
you prefer that way of receiving your content.
Contents
Holding a burgage plot often conferred certain rights and privileges, including the right to trade in the town’s market and, in some cases, a role in the town’s governance. Burgage plots were instrumental in the growth and development of medieval towns, reflecting the transition towards a more commercial and less feudal society.
Burgage
plots were characteristically long and narrow, but pressure to subdivide land
on account of prosperity and population growth resulted in subdivision of plots
making them smaller as you can see in the top right-hand corner of the image.
© Birmingham Museums
What is a Burgage Plot
In
medieval England, the concept of burgage plots was central to the growth and
structure of towns, reflecting the socio-economic transformations of the era.
The medieval period, particularly from the 12th century onwards, witnessed a significant
expansion and development of towns, driven by a burgeoning trade economy and
the gradual decline of feudalism.
These
towns, often emerging around strategic points such as river crossings, castles,
or along key trade routes, began to see a more organised approach to urban
planning. The burgage plot system played a crucial role in this. Land within
these towns was divided into plots (burgages) that were rented out to townsmen,
known as burgesses. These individuals were typically merchants, craftsmen, or
other professionals who played a crucial role in the urban economy.
Behind the shop would be a “fold and garth”. A “fold” is an area for keep animals and a “garth” is another name for a garden. Food stuffs were often grown in the garths.
The
layout of these medieval towns was markedly linear, with the main streets
forming the backbone, flanked by rows of burgage plots. This arrangement
facilitated the formation of a bustling market area, often near a town hall or
a prominent religious institution, reflecting the combined focus on commerce,
governance, and religion.
Burgage Plots were Vibrant and Diverse
One
key aspect of these medieval towns was their relative autonomy and
self-governance, a significant shift from the rigid structures of feudalism.
The residents of these towns, especially the burgesses, often enjoyed
privileges not found in rural areas. These included rights to trade freely,
exemption from certain tolls, and, in some cases, the ability to self-govern
through a Town Council or Guild.
Socially
and architecturally, medieval towns with their burgage plots were vibrant and
diverse. The plots themselves, while standard in their long, narrow design,
often housed a variety of structures – from simple workshops and dwellings to
more elaborate houses and storefronts for wealthier merchants. Over time, as
the towns prospered, some burgage plots became sites for larger, more ornate
buildings, showcasing the wealth and status of their owners.
Moreover,
the nature of these towns as hubs of trade and craftsmanship meant they were
often cosmopolitan in character, attracting people from various regions and
even countries. This diversity contributed to the rich cultural and social
tapestry of medieval urban life.
Location and Size of a Burgage Plot
The
location and size of burgage plots were intrinsic to the structural design of
medieval towns across England and Europe, reflecting a thoughtful approach to
urban planning during that period.
These
plots, characteristically long and narrow, were strategically positioned to
maximise their utility and accessibility within the confines of urban spaces.
The long and narrow burgage plots are seen running away at right angles from the street, Callander, Stirling, Scotland.
Nestled
within the heart of medieval towns, burgage plots commonly fronted the main
streets or marketplaces, aligning themselves with the central hubs of commerce
and social interaction. This prime positioning was not only pivotal for the
burgesses, who owned or rented these plots, but also for the economic vitality
of the town itself.
By
facing the bustling streets, these plots ensured direct access to the town’s
commercial lifeblood, facilitating trade and commerce. Their proximity to
markets and fairs, integral to the town’s economy, allowed the occupants easy
participation in these commercial activities.
Capitalising on the Footfall
The
unique shape of these plots – slender and elongated – was a pragmatic response
to the limited urban space available within medieval towns, often constrained
by defensive walls or natural geographical features. This design allowed a
greater number of properties to have frontage on the main streets, maximising
the use of available space.
The
narrow street-facing end of the plot was typically devoted to commercial
enterprises such as shops, workshops, or taverns, capitalising on the footfall
and visibility provided by the street. Moving back from the street, the plot
would often extend into residential areas, gardens, and occasionally small
agricultural or livestock spaces, providing a multifaceted utility to the land.
Over
time, as towns expanded and urban life became more dynamic, the use of these
plots evolved. Some became entirely commercial, responding to the growing
economic activities of the towns, while others retained their mixed-use
character, reflecting the changing needs and developments of urban living.
Tenure and Rights
In
the context of medieval English towns, the tenure and rights associated with
burgage plots were significant elements that shaped the social and economic
fabric of urban life. The system of burgage tenure was a defining
characteristic of these plots, denoting a specific type of landholding that was
critical to the growth and governance of medieval towns.
Old burgage plots pick up on LiDAR
Burgage
tenure was a form of leasehold, where the occupant, known as a burgess, rented
a plot of land (the burgage) from a Lord, typically the King or a Noble.
This
arrangement was distinct from the feudal system prevalent in the countryside,
as it involved paying rent in cash rather than through agricultural services or
labour. This monetary transaction signified a shift towards a more commercial
and monetary-based economy, a departure from the agrarian feudal economy.
The
rights conferred by holding a burgage were substantial and multifaceted.
Firstly, burgesses were often granted the right to trade within the town,
particularly in the market, which was crucial for their commercial enterprises.
This right to trade was a significant privilege, enabling the burgesses to
engage in various business activities and contribute to the town’s economic
vitality.
Lord’s Court
Additionally,
burgage tenure often came with certain legal rights and protections. Burgesses
typically enjoyed a degree of legal autonomy, with the right to be tried in the
Town’s Court rather than the Lord’s Court.
This
autonomy was a crucial aspect of the emerging urban identity and governance. In
many towns, the collective body of burgesses could gain significant
self-governing privileges, leading to the formation of a Borough.
In
such cases, the burgesses could have a say in the administration of the town,
sometimes electing their officials or forming a town council.
The closes (passageways) off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile follow the lines of the old burgage plots
Furthermore,
the status of being a burgess often extended beyond legal and commercial
rights. It was a mark of social standing within the community, distinguishing
the burgesses from other residents in the town. This status could entail
additional responsibilities and privileges, such as participating in the town’s
defence or being eligible for certain communal benefits.
They
facilitated the growth of a merchant and artisan class, fostered the
development of market economies, and contributed to the emergence of
self-governance and legal autonomy in urban centres. These plots and their
associated rights were crucial in the transition from feudalism to a more
recognisably modern urban society.
Legal Implications
The
legal implications of burgage plots in medieval English towns were profound,
reflecting the evolving nature of urban governance and law during this period.
The system of burgage tenure, which defined these plots, had significant legal
ramifications not just for the individual burgesses but also for the collective
governance and autonomy of the towns themselves.
One
of the most notable legal implications of burgage plots was the establishment
and enhancement of Borough status for many towns.
As the medieval population grew more plots were needed, so some would be sub-divided. As time went on ownership would change, and some plots would be combined
Towns
with a high concentration of burgage plots often evolved into Boroughs, a
status that conferred a degree of self-governance. This development was pivotal
in the gradual shift away from the feudal system, as it allowed towns to
exercise a level of autonomy previously unheard of in rural areas.
Burgesses,
as leaseholders of these plots, were often at the forefront of this transition,
playing key roles in the administration and decision-making processes within
the town.
Rural Legal Landscape
The
legal autonomy afforded to burgage holders was also significant. In many
instances, towns with burgage tenure had their Courts, separate from the
Manorial Courts that dominated the rural legal landscape.
These
urban courts, often comprised of and presided over by fellow burgesses, dealt
with matters pertinent to urban life, such as trade disputes, property issues,
and local ordinances. This judicial autonomy not only expedited legal matters
by dealing with them locally but also reinforced the sense of community and
collective responsibility among the town’s inhabitants.
Furthermore,
the legal framework surrounding burgage plots often allowed for a more
organised and systematic approach to property rights and inheritance within the
town.
Burgage
plots were typically heritable, meaning they could be passed down through
generations. This continuity contributed to the stability and long-term
planning in urban development and allowed families to establish and maintain
businesses over extended periods.
View of Warkworth from the
castle. The land to the right of the street was the long, narrow burgage plots,
many of which soon became built-up. Image Credit: Humphrey Bolton
Another
legal aspect was the regulation and standardisation of rents and duties
associated with these plots. While burgesses were required to pay rent for
their plots, these were often fixed and regulated, offering a degree of
economic stability and predictability.
In
some cases, the collective bargaining power of the burgesses could be used to
negotiate terms with the Lord or the King, further illustrating the growing
power and influence of urban communities.
This
system laid the groundwork for the evolution of more modern forms of urban
governance and law, marking a significant shift in the societal and legal
landscape of medieval England.
Transition and Decline
As
the Middle Ages progressed towards the Renaissance and beyond, several factors
contributed to the gradual decline of the traditional burgage plot system. One
of the key changes was the gradual dissolution of the feudal system, which had
underpinned much of medieval society and land tenure.
With
the weakening of feudalism, the rigid structures that defined burgage tenure
began to loosen, giving way to more flexible and diverse forms of landholding
and property ownership.
The
growth and expansion of towns and cities also played a crucial role in the
transition away from burgage plots. As urban areas grew, both in size and
population, the demand for space and the nature of urban land use changed.
A classic burgage pattern depicted on a 19th-century map. This sequence of burgages has since been displaced by modern developments
The
long, narrow burgage plots, ideal for a certain stage of urban development,
became less suitable for the evolving needs of burgeoning cities. This change
was particularly evident in the layout and architecture of newer districts,
which often did not adhere to the traditional burgage plot pattern.
Economic
changes also influenced the decline of burgage plots. The rise of capitalism
and the shift towards a market-driven economy saw a move away from the more
communal and regulated economic practices of the medieval period. This shift
was reflected in the changing patterns of property ownership and land use in
urban areas.
Legacy of the Burgage Plot
The
legal and administrative reforms that swept through England in the
post-medieval period further contributed to the decline of the burgage system.
As
legal systems became more centralized and standardized, the local and communal
legal practices associated with burgage tenure and Borough governance became
less relevant. New forms of municipal governance emerged, changing the way
towns and cities were administered.
Despite
their decline, the legacy of burgage plots remained visible in the layout of
many historic towns and cities, where the medieval street patterns and property
boundaries continued to influence urban form.
In
some places, remnants of the burgage plot system survived in the form of long,
narrow properties that trace their origins back to medieval times.
The
transition and decline of burgage plots in England were gradual processes,
influenced by a combination of socio-economic, legal, and urban development
factors.
While
the traditional burgage system eventually gave way to newer forms of land
tenure and urban layout, its impact on the development of English towns and
cities left a lasting imprint on the urban landscape. If you know where to
look, you can see their footprint to this day.
No comments:
Post a Comment