90%

Peasants/Serfs

Peasants were not slaves, but not free either. They were bound to the lord's land and couldn't leave without permission. They were required to farm the manor several days a week and repair roads, bridges, etc. They had the right to farm some land for themselves and were guaranteed housing.

Population Breakdown

1%

Peasants

Kings

9%

Vassals, Knights, Lords, etc.

(Out of approximately 30 million)

-feudal lord might claim one-third to one-half of their produce in taxes and fees, and the serfs owed him a set number of days each year in which they would work the lord's fields in exchange for the right to work their own lands

-required to grind their grain in the lord's mill, and bake all their bread in the lords' oven, and to use roads and bridges the lord had built

-each time they did this, they would have to pay him a toll or a fee of some sort

-forbidden to set up their own roads, bridges, mills, and ovens