A medieval unit of land measurement commonly associated with a customary tenant’s holding.
A virgate was a medieval unit of land measurement.
Traditionally it represented one quarter of a hide, although the actual area varied depending on local conditions and agricultural practice.
Virgates were often used when describing customary holdings and the obligations attached to them. A tenant holding a virgate might owe particular rents, services or payments to the lord of the manor.
Medieval land measurements were based on custom rather than fixed modern standards, so the meaning of a virgate must always be interpreted within its local context.
See also:
Hide
Bovate
Carucate
Tenant
