Plot longevity and urban land tenure: a Norwegian case study

Abstract

The longevity of plot boundaries has been observed by many scholars and in different geographical regions. The hypothesis that the persistence of plot boundaries is related to the legal position of the plot holder (or renter) is explored in this paper, focusing on the Norwegian town of Bergen. The concept of ‘right to use and possess’ found in medieval law is shown to have had a major influence in maintaining existing plot patterns in Bergen over many centuries. The property owner could not change or amalgamate his plots if this conflicted with the interests of the plot holder. Thus the town’s plot structure was preserved even after fire.