Hide (unit) facts for kids

The hide was an old way to measure land in Anglo-Saxon England. It wasn't like our modern measurements, which use exact sizes. Instead, a hide was the amount of land needed to support one family or household.

This measurement was used almost everywhere in Anglo-Saxon England, except for a place called Kent. The size of a hide could change a lot from one area to another. This was because the quality of the soil was different. If the soil was very good for growing food, a hide would be smaller. If the soil was poor, a hide would be larger so the family could still grow enough food.

What Was the Hide Used For?

The hide was important for a few reasons in Anglo-Saxon times. It helped decide how much people had to pay in taxes. If a family farmed more hides, they would pay more taxes.

Public Duties and the Hide

The hide also helped decide what public duties people had to do. For example, if you farmed a certain number of hides, you might have to help defend the local castle. You might also need to provide soldiers for the local army.

Rent and Land Ownership

People who rented land, called tenants, would pay their rent based on how many hides they were farming. So, the hide was a key part of how land was managed and how society worked in Anglo-Saxon England.