Shropshire Routes to Roots - Shropshire places - Wem
by Samuel Garbet
Two hundred years ago there were three common fields belonging to this town. They consisted of arable land, and were divided by stones, or other land marks, so that each proprietor knew his own ground which he ploughed and sowed, but when harvest was gathered in, their cattle ranged in common, and fed promiscuously.
The cross field at the east end of the town towards Soulton, took its name from a cross erected on that road, as was usual in popish countries
The Chapel field extended towards Horton, and on each side of the way to the Lowe, and took its name from St. John's chapel above mentioned.
The Middle field was so called, because it did lie as it were in the middle of the other two, including a large compass of land on the left side the Edstaston road.
Page created 7 September 2003 and last updated 22 June 2007
