13/06/2026
Beautiful photo too!
Rhossili has a rich agricultural heritage that spans centuries. Its practices are deeply rooted in medieval traditions. During wartime, particularly World War II, these ancient farming methods played a crucial role in sustaining local communities and contributing to the war effort.
At the heart of Rhossili's agricultural landscape lies "The Vile," one of the few surviving medieval field systems in Britain. Introduced by the Normans in the 12th century, this open-field system divided the land into strips separated by low boundaries rather than hedgerows. The Vile remained essentially unchanged for hundreds of years, preserving a unique agricultural heritage.
During World War II, Rhossili's farming practices took on renewed importance. With about 200 people living in the village during the war, there was a strong sense of community involvement in agricultural activities. Farmers had to manage their resources carefully. They grew their own wheat, had it milled locally, and baked bread weekly. A wet wheat harvest could affect the entire year's flour supply. Families raised pigs for bacon, with one typically sold and the other consumed. Cattle were also important, with the sale of fat cattle in February being a significant event. Farmers grew a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, oats, and rye. This diversity helped ensure food security during uncertain times.
The ancient agricultural practices had significant impacts on the local community. Families lived mainly on what they produced themselves, enhancing resilience during wartime shortages. Farm income, though modest, provided a degree of economic stability. It typically consisted of livestock sales, wool, and occasional lodgers. Agricultural activities, such as pig killing or cattle sales, became community events, strengthening social bonds. The traditional farming methods, including leaving fields fallow, inadvertently supported local wildlife. The "baulks" separating strips allowed small mammals to move safely across cultivated land.
Following World War II, farming techniques in Rhossili changed significantly. Modern agricultural practices favoured larger parcels of land, leading to the removal of some historic boundaries. However, efforts are now underway to restore these boundaries and preserve the unique agricultural heritage of the Vile.
The ancient agricultural practices of Rhossili played a vital role during wartime, ensuring food security and maintaining community cohesion. Their impact extends past their historical significance.
They teach us valuable lessons about sustainable farming and community resilience.
References:
https://www.rhossilihwb.wales/know-gower/old-village-life/
https://blackmountainsarchaeology.com/discovering-the.../
https://cynnalcymru.com/agricultural-healing-and.../
https://www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk/history/
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/.../our-work-at-rhosili
https://www.ggat.org.uk/.../gower/english/Gower_Features.htm
https://www.efncp.org/download/GowerCommonsreport2018.pdf
