The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #37964   Message #532338
Posted By: IanC
21-Aug-01 - 07:01 AM
Thread Name: BS: strangest thing youve seen in a field.
Subject: RE: BS: strangest thing youve seen in a field.
Comes from Mediaeval forest law. You have to clear enough space to be able to live off, then set up a hearth and roof all in a day and a night and by your own hand. The settlement you make is called an "Assart".

Forest law doesn't apply to much of the UK (good job, as it involves being hanged for doing more-or-less anything).

Cheers!
Ian