Celtic field is a popular name for the traces of early (prehistoric) agricultural
field systems found in North-West Europe, e.g. Belgium, Britain, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands. The name was given by O.G.S. Crawford. They are sometimes preserved in areas were industrial farming has not been adopted and can date from any time between the Early
Bronze Age (c. 1800 BC) until the early
medieval period. They can be preserved as
earthworks or
soil marks.
They are characterised by their proximity to other ancient features such as enclosures,
sunken lanes and farmsteads and are divided into a patchwork quilt of square plots rarely more than 2,000 m² in area although larger examples are known (e.g. Dorset and Wiltshire). Their small size implies that each was cultivated by one individual of family.
Lynchets, evidence of early
ploughing can often be seen at the upper and lower ends. Large scale Roman agriculture replaced them in lowland Britain and they are more common in less accessible regions such as the
West Country.
See also
