Analytical survey of visible evidence has been undertaken on twelve areas of prehistoric fields in southern Britain. In all cases at least two phases were noted, one directly overlying the other; in ten areas the earlier phase comprised an extensive rectilinear grid and the later, smaller areas of aggregated fields. It is suggested that the earliest of these fields date to the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC, on both sides of the Channel, and that they were symbolic of status within a period of visibly ostentatious possessions. The later fields represent a contraction of enclosed land; their design is suited to stock production.