innih

Innih is a historical term referring to a settlement or landholding, particularly prevalent in the context of Anglo-Saxon England. It denoted a unit of land that was often associated with a lord or a community. The size and specific nature of an innih could vary, but it generally represented a self-sufficient agricultural unit. These landholdings played a crucial role in the social and economic structure of early medieval England, forming the basis for taxation, military service, and the distribution of wealth. The term itself is derived from Old English and reflects the established patterns of land ownership and tenure during that period. Understanding the concept of innih is key to comprehending the agrarian economy and the societal organization of Anglo-Saxon Britain. It highlights a system where land was the primary source of power and sustenance, and where communal or lordly control over land defined much of daily life and political influence. The evolution of these landholdings contributed to the development of later manorial systems.