Peasants did not own any land. Many simply worked on land owned by nobles and knights to make a living. Peasants made up most of the population. In return for the work they did on the fief they were allowed to farm for themselves.

Peasants and serfs

Most peasants on a fief were serfs. Serfs were peasants that were bound to the lord's fief however they were not slaves that could be bought and sold. Serfs were never allowed to leave the manor without the lord's permission. Serfs made up 90% of the whole population.