Registered Charity No 1108814
Historically, commons played an important part in the local farming economy. They were mainly used for the pasture of stock during the summer and for collecting firewood.
Strict rules regulated when and how the villagers could use them and fines were payable for any breaches of the rules. After commons, heaths and open fields were enclosed by an Act of Parliament in the late 18th century (and converted into agricultural land) it was usual for a small area of land to be retained to provide fuel for the poor of the parish.
Common rights for grazing livestock were attached to certain properties in the village. Other rights of common included turbary (peat cutting), estovers (firewood and bedding for livestock) and piscary (fishing).
Mill Common gets its name from the two post mills that were once nearby. These were in existence in the 18th century; one being demolished at the beginning of the 19th century, the other continuing as a flour mill for another hundred years.
This page is currently being researched in order to present a fuller historical account and will be updated soon.