\paperw5085 \margr0\margl0\ATXph16380 \plain \fs20 \pard\tx3255\tx6525\tx9780\ATXts240\ATXbrdr0 \f1 \fs22 The medieval economy of Britain was based on \ATXnt901 agriculture\ATXnt0 , and technical ability and productivity were low. Moreover, the only way to maintain the fertility of the soil was to leave a portion of the cultivated area fallow every year and to use as much animal manure as possible. In order to produce enough to
supply the small urban and industrial sector of the economy, a delicate balance had to be achieved between arable and pasture. Cereal production was based on wheat, barley oats and some rye; however, if too much land was used for cereals, a fall would c
ome about in the number of livestock that could be kept. This explains why \ATXnt902 cultivated areas expanded\ATXnt0 so enormously during the 12th and 13th centuries. However, it is doubtful whether food production kept pace with demand. Between 118
0 and 1220 there was rapid price inflation in England, and during the course of the 13th century prices more than trebled. The agricultural estates, or \ATXnt903 Manors\ATXnt0 , came under a lordship and were usually divided into demesne lands, which ca
me under the lordÆs direct control, and customary land, worked by the lordÆs tenants in return for rents and services. The demesnes were either farmed to produce food for consumption and \ATXnt904 market\ATXnt0 , or leased out for cash income. Work was
done by paid estate labourers, skilled hired labour and \ATXnt905 tenants\ATXnt0 owing labour services to their lord. The 13th and 14th centuries thus saw the birth and growth of skilled estate management and the emergence of sophisticated written rec
