Leet Medieval Court

From the collection of

MACE is the strategic lead organisation for screen heritage for the East and West Midlands regions. An independent charity based at University of Lincoln, MACE preserves and makes accessible a collection of more than 100,000 historic moving images representative of the diverse cultures and histories of communities throughout the heart of England from the Lincolnshire coast to the Welsh border.

Leet Medieval Court

Media Archive for Central England
Laxton
1986-10-31
Sound

Investigating ancient farming practices in the last bastion of the enclosure acts where 'oxgangs' and 'yokes' remain part of the local farming lexicon.

At Laxton in Nottinghamshire the 18th-century farming enclosure acts have not yet been imposed, which means that agricultural land is still dealt in strips rather than in larger fields, with detailed maps indicating the ownership of each area of so-called 'common land'. The local Leet gather to take measurements to ensure it is all fair and small fines are dished out at the Dovecote pub to those who have encroached on their neighbour - although at 50p it's not really going to put anyone out of business.We don't find out exactly why the feudal system has never disappeared in this corner of Nottinghamshire, and reporter John Mitchell struggles to tell his 'yoke' from his 'oxgang' but it's an interesting look at a local anomaly untouched by the passage of time.

A look at the way of setting field boundaries at Laxton in Nottinghamshire, which is still carried out as it was in Medieval times.

Custom Made: Festivals and Traditions in the Midlands

A tour of the Midlands through its annual customs.

Back in the 6th Century, the Midlands of England were known as The Kingdom of Mercia – ‘Mercia’ being an Old English (or Anglo-Saxon) word for ‘Border Folk’. The long, long history of this region has brought with it a wealth of annual customs and traditions that are enthusiastically anticipated and celebrated by its people. Their origins may be subject to academic debate and general speculation, but they survive year on year – strengthening a community's sense of identity, helping people define who they are. In these films you will see Midlanders in an eclectic variety of settings - gathering together to worship, feast, and dance; play games, race ponies, and stroll through markets. So, whether it’s a Hindu Festival or Sikh celebration, a flower parade or Goose Fair, come, be a tourist and explore the sheer diversity of the border folk of the Midlands.

10 videos in this collection

Caribbean Carnival in Leicester

Leicester
1989-08-07

Nottingham Goose Fair

Nottingham
1986-10-02