question_answer

Explain briefly what the open field system meant to rural people in 18th century England. Look at the system from the point of view of: A rich farmer, A Labourer and A peasant woman.

Answer:

A rich farmer: He would not benefit from the open field system rather he would be in favour of enclosures. In the16th century, they began to enclose common land and grew hedges around their holdings to separate their property from others. This was done to expand wool production and earn profits. In the 18" century, farmers enclosed lands for grain production. A labourer: He used the open field system to graze his cows and sheep to hunt rabbits and for fishing in the rivers and ponds. For the poor, the common land was essential for his survival. It supplemented his meagre income, sustained his cattle and helped him tide over bad times when crops failed. A peasant woman: Cow keeping, collection of firewood, gleaning and gathering of fruits and berries from the common lands was done by the peasant women.