Virgate

A virgate, also known as a yardland, was a historical English unit of land measurement. It represented the amount of land that a team of oxen could plough in a single agricultural season. It was typically equivalent to one quarter of a hide, another English unit of land measurement.

The exact size of a virgate varied depending on the region and the quality of the soil, but it generally comprised around 30 acres. This figure also assumes the standard English acre. Some areas had local acres of differing sizes, which would impact the overall size of the virgate.

The virgate was not just a measurement of area; it also represented the landholding of a peasant farmer, with the amount of land considered sufficient to support a family. As such, it had implications for the services and dues owed to the lord of the manor. Holders of virgates were often expected to provide agricultural labour or pay rent in kind or cash.

The virgate system was prevalent in the medieval period and was a key element of the feudal system in England. While the virgate is no longer used as a standard unit of measurement, it remains a significant term in historical and genealogical research relating to land ownership and agricultural practices in England. Its use declined with the move towards standardized weights and measures.