ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the open-field systems of five contiguous north Arden parishes which, taken together, lie between 300 and 500 feet and its purpose is to consider the siting, layout and possible chronological development of these open-field systems in relationship to settlement. A general account of the open-field systems of the Forest of Arden was given by Brian Roberts in his ‘Field Systems of the West Midlands’. Open-field agriculture, alongside its connection with nucleated settlement, would also appear to have been anciently associated with villeinage. For the purpose of looking at the topographical development of the north Arden open-field systems prior to 1300, it would seem sensible to concentrate at first on the nine settlements which, on place-name and other evidence, can be identified with Domesday entries. Four settlements–Ulverlei, Cintone, Elmedone and Langedone—found locations on the spurs extending out from the Arden Plateau to which reference has already been made.
