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The Foundation of the Agrarian Economy

The elements necessary for early modern agriculture existed earlier in Durham than in southern England. Tenure by copyhold existed soon after the Black Death if not earlier; serfdom was weak and quickly all but disappeared from the bishopric of Durham estate. Leasehold for customary tenures emerged soon after, providing two forms of secure tenure. Customary tenures on the bishopric estate remained intact and the land market was light. Ambitious tenants soon created holdings of 45–60 acres. For many tenants this was a preferred size of holding: small enough to be a family farm, large enough to provide more options for cultivation. There was insufficient demand and incentive to amass larger holdings before the sixteenth century, however. Overall, the tenurial and seigneurial practices allowed yeomen to emerge earlier than elsewhere.