Agrarian and Settlement Characterisation in Post-Medieval Strathbogie, Aberdeenshire, 1600–1760

Abstract

Documentary, cartographic and archaeological sources suggest that agrarian practice in the north east of Scotland from the late sixteenth to the mid eighteenth centuries was more diverse, dynamic and targeted than often supposed. The evidence suggests that Strathbogie saw extensive agricultural expansion throughout the entire period, especially in areas demonstrating earlier underutilisation. Real improvement and expansion occurred as a result of developing existing traditional systems of agriculture, which was socially at odds with the later and much vaunted 'Improvements'. These practices maximised productivity by targeting the production of a range of commodities at their most appropriate ecological zones within the overall landscape of the estate, the Lordship of Huntly. Such a model for production appears to have influenced the settlement strategy within those individual ecological zones. However, an over-emphasis upon grain production may, ultimately, have resulted in unsustainable practices, contrasting with earlier more ecologically-targeted ones.

Changing Tenurial Forms and Service Renders in the North East of Scotland between the Fifteenth and the Eighteenth Centuries: Evidence of Social Development, Capitalised Agrarianism and Ideological Change

“…I have suggested elsewhere that the whole notion of 'agricultural improvement' in the north east may be a fallacy with an ongoing process of local agricultural development demonstrable from at least the seventeenth century (Shepherd, 2011). A consideration of the social dimension of tenurial arrangements indicates a process of 'capitalisation' and that perceptions of social identity were undergoing change.…”

“…By 1610 it was still a one plough unit but ‘the Mains’ of Craigwillie was then held by four tenants each holding two oxgates plus six crofts, each owing a small money rent and six poultry. I have suggested elsewhere (Shepherd, 2011: 21) that these may have been new lands taken in, since the rental amount also increased dramatically at that time relative to the other units around. I am now starting to doubt those words!…”

“…Most had gradually been commuted to monetary equivalents since the 1600 rental. Elsewhere I have discussed how that document can be 'read' to understand the ecologically-targeted nature of food production (Shepherd, 2011) and as an alternative strategy to demesne farming. The split tounship of Bogtoun, seemingly carved from the Dunbennan unit, usefully demonstrates a surviving pattern of crofts.…”

The Central Uplands of Buchan – a distinctive agricultural zone in the thirteenth century: fact or fiction?

“…3 It is also interesting that the livestock teinds predominantly comprised sheep and poultry renders with no indication of cattle products. In other areas of the North East, such as Strathbogie, cattle and pigs provided important contributions (Shepherd, 2011).…”

Review of periodical literature published in 2011

“…Falconer provides a historiography of work on the pre‐modern Burgh in Scotland. Shepherd also looks at an early modern Scottish town, using the case study of Strathbogie (now Huntly) in Aberdeenshire.…”