A list of archaic measures.
In bold the measure, followed by it’s: more familiar imperial measure definition, the metric or SI measure definition and a comment on its origin or its relation to other measures.
Square rod, pole or perch
5.5 x 5.5 yards equalling 30.5 sq yds
25.292 sq m
Also called a rod, pole or perch, context defines the measure.
Usually only used in allotment measures and interchangeable term used varies by location, the standard allotment plot is usually ten rods.
Rood
Either square rod or 0.25 acre.
Definition varies by original document.
Acre
160 sq rods or 4840 sq yd
0.4047 ha
An acre can contain 16 standard allotment plots.
Hectare
2.471 acres
100m x 100m
0.01 sq km
Modern measure included for completeness.
Square mile
640 acres.
2.590 sq km
Square Inch
6.452sq cm
Square Foot
929.03 Sq cm
Square Yard
0.8361 sq m
Arpent
~ 1 acre
Old French term, measure of vinyeards. Still used in parts of Canada.
square furlong
10 acres
Virgate
5.5 x 5.5 yards equalling 30.5 sq yds
25.292 sq m
or
30 acres
12.141 ha
An obsolete measure, see also rod, pole, perch.
or
An obsolete measure of land totalling 0.25 hide.
Hide
120 acres
A Saxon measure. The amount of land necessary to support one family. Used in the Domesday Book. Variable between ~60 and ~240 acres. The area able to be cultivated by team of eight oxen in a year. Also carucate in the area of the Danelaw.
Yoke
0.25 sulung
A Kentish measure
Sulung
2 hides
A Kentish measure.
Confused by Rod, Pole or Perch
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Hi Peter,
Very interesting!
I would say that the size of an allotment was determined in which part of the country you live.
In Hertfordshire where you live the standard was 66ft x 33ft including one head or sole path and one side path either LH or RH.
This means that there are 20 allotments to the acre.
An Allotment was always the same length as a Cricket Pitch and Half a Cricket Pitch wide.
This derives from the allotment of land a farmer apportioned to his permanent workers living in a tied-cottage to grow their own food.
JB.
Very interesting!
I would say that the size of an allotment was determined in which part of the country you live.
In Hertfordshire where you live the standard was 66ft x 33ft including one head or sole path and one side path either LH or RH.
This means that there are 20 allotments to the acre.
An Allotment was always the same length as a Cricket Pitch and Half a Cricket Pitch wide.
This derives from the allotment of land a farmer apportioned to his permanent workers living in a tied-cottage to grow their own food.
JB.