cottagers

A cottager is a person who lives in a cottage, typically in a rural area. Historically in Britain and Ireland, cottagers were smallholders or tenants living on estates or farms, often with only a modest plot of land or a garden. The term implies a modest means and a close connection to agricultural life.

In the medieval and early modern countryside, cottagers formed a recognizable social group within rural communities. They usually paid rent to a landowner and depended on agricultural work or small-scale farming. Living conditions varied, and changes in tenancy, enclosure, or land reform could alter their status.

In modern usage, "cottager" can refer to someone who owns or rents a country cottage, including holiday or weekend homes. The term is also used to describe seasonal residents who spend part of the year in rural areas. In rural tourism, cottages provide accommodation and contribute to local economies.

Regional usage and context vary. The term is most strongly associated with the United Kingdom and Ireland, though similar notions exist in other countries with cottage economies. The concept intersects with discussions of rural housing, land tenure, and agrarian history.