Land belonging to a manor that was not part of cultivated holdings.
Waste was land belonging to a manor that was not part of the cultivated holdings of the lord or tenants.
Although the name suggests unused land, waste often had considerable value. It could provide grazing, fuel, timber, turf and other resources used by the community.
Rights over waste were usually governed by local custom, and disputes concerning use of waste land were often brought before the manorial court.
See also:
Common Rights
Estovers
Pasture
Woodland
