Furlong – A Historical Unit of Distance

Thefurlongis an old unit of length that originated in medieval England. Traditionally, it was defined as the length of a furrow in a field, typically around 201.168 meters. Although rarely used in modern measurements, the furlong remains an interesting historical unit.

History & Background

The furlong has its origins in agricultural practices, where it was used to measure the length of a plowed field. Over time, it became a standard measure in horse racing and land surveying in the imperial system.

Conversion Factors

• 1 furlong ≈ 201.168 m
• 1 furlong ≈ 0.125 miles
• 1 furlong ≈ 220 yd
• 1 furlong ≈ 660 ft

Applications

While no longer common in everyday use, the furlong is still used in horse racing and can be found in historical documents related to land measurement.

Interesting Facts

In horse racing, the furlong is a traditional measure, and many races are described in furlongs, reflecting its deep historical roots in sports and agriculture.

Conclusion

The furlong is a fascinating glimpse into historical measurement practices, providing context for how ancient civilizations and early modern societies quantified distance.