An irregular aggregate field system is a collection of contiguous field plots which are irregular in shape (rectilinear or curvilinear in plan) and size and which accreted around a focal point, usually a settlement. They are recognised archaeologically as irregular clusters of low, curving earthworks, rarely covering more than 10ha overall, typically as a result of aerial photographic or field surveys. Some field systems of this class are still in use today where ancient boundaries have become fossilised as modern ones. The main components are the fields, the field boundaries, and trackways.
Romano-British irregular aggregate field systems may be confused with similar monuments from other periods as well as other contemporary classes of field system, especially where the remains are very fragmented. Excavation of associated settlements or components will usually be necessary to arrive at period specific dating.
Specifically excluded here are single cultivation plots which are attached to isolated farmsteads or to individual farmsteads within a village. These are treated as components (garden/cultivation plots) of those monuments.
Irregular aggregate field systems were used for small-scale agricultural production by indigenous farmers in certain parts of the country for most of the Roman period.