The Complex Lives of Medieval Peasants: From Serfdom to Freedom

🌾Medieval peasants were mostly free individuals who worked the land owned by the lord of the manor.

👥Peasants had legal protection and were not considered slaves, although their rights and obligations varied.

🏰The Norman Conquest brought an emancipation of slaves and a transition from servitude to freedom for many peasants.

💰Peasants had to perform tasks and pay rent to the lord of the manor, indicating a combination of servile and free status.

⚖️Court cases were fought to establish one's status as servile or free, indicating the importance of social standing.

Were medieval peasants considered slaves?

—No, medieval peasants were mostly free individuals who worked the land owned by the lord of the manor.

Did all peasants have the same rights and obligations?

—No, the rights and obligations of peasants varied depending on their status and the specific lord of the manor.

Did the Norman Conquest have an impact on peasant status?

—Yes, the Norman Conquest brought about the emancipation of slaves and a transition from servitude to freedom for many peasants.

What did peasants have to do for the lord of the manor?

—Peasants had to perform tasks such as farming and paying rent to the lord in exchange for the use of the land.

Were there court cases regarding peasant status?

—Yes, court cases were fought to determine whether an individual was servile or free, indicating the importance of social standing.

00:38Medieval peasants were mostly free individuals who worked the land owned by the lord of the manor.

02:22The Norman Conquest brought about an emancipation of slaves and a transition from servitude to freedom for many peasants.

04:34Peasants had to perform tasks and pay rent to the lord of the manor, indicating a combination of servile and free status.

06:31Court cases were fought to establish one's status as servile or free, indicating the importance of social standing.