Midland Farmers in the Later Middle Ages: The Colchester Family

The first generations of large-scale farmers in the period 1360–1550 deserve attention because they represent a new trend in rural economy and society. Without much evidence, we are not usually well-informed about their social position or economic performance. The Colchesters, based on the northern edge of Gloucestershire, innovated by enclosing a complete township in alliance with their gentry landlords, and prospered on the pastoral farm that they created. Their complicated family, social links with gentry and villagers, local networks and mentality are all documented, aided by the hard-fought dispute with which their careers as farmers ended. General conclusions can be drawn about their social and economic significance.