Masters of the common land

Commons have been part of the layout of English towns and cities since the Middle Ages. These are public lands, although ownership of Beverley’s pastures are not that straightforward. Currently, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council owns the freehold. Each March, the Pasture Freemen of Beverley elect 12 Pasture Masters, who control and manage the commons. Farmers are able to graze their livestock, paying rent to the Masters. Pasture Freemen are usually the children of Freemen, or have served as an apprentice to a Freeman and live in Beverley. In 2011, women were eligible to become Free women, and the first woman Pasture Master was elected. In 2003, English Heritage launched a national research project to illustrate the historic importance of commons in England. The commons of Beverley were singled out for detailed research for various reasons, including the fact that they are home to a number of prehistoric sites. In 2009, they were among only eight in England to receive the highest grade of four stars by English Heritage.

Black Mill is also known as Far Mill or Baitson’s Mill, after Gilbert Baitson, who rebuilt it in 1803.