Field-Names Ruth Using Field-Names

Every piece of land that has been used is likely to have a name, even though it may now have fallen into disuse. Mobility encouraged the use of names and individual field-names will be relevant to particular fields. As such, they preserve something important about each field. Caution needs to be exercised in using these field-names – the field may once have been larger, and similar field-names may have had different derivations. Nevertheless, an examination of field-names over a wide area can show a statistical probability that certain field-names correlate with particular types of site. A significant field-name can, therefore, act as an archaeological indicator to suggest that a site is worth further examination. Field-names are a direct link with the previous users of the land. Some field-names have changed – and these changes are interesting – but others can be traced to the earliest users. Field-names are fascinating, provide a wealth of information, can be investigated by any careful researcher regardless of age or physical ability, in any country, and are still largely untapped as a systematic resource.