Why were serfs important in the middle ages?

Answer 1

The relationship between serfs and the lords of the manors was intended to benefit both. The serfs raised food crops and did other labor. The lords provided the serfs with a place to live, fields to farm, and protection in times of trouble. This system developed in a time when the political and military situation in Western Europe was very chaotic, and so the free farmers became serfs quite willingly in order to get some stability into their lives.

The serf was not entirely free, because he was not allowed to move away from the manor on which he lived, and had to provide the work required for the manor. This lack of freedom was inherited, and his children were not free to move off either. This was also intended to benefit both the serf and the lord, however, as the lord was not legally allowed to evict the serf without reason. Even if the manor passed to a new lord, the serf had a right to stay in his home and keep his job.

Answer 2

Serfs were the peasants of medieval times who used to work their lord's land and paid them certain dues(in the form of labor) for the use of the land. Life of these serfs was very hard as they worked atleast three times a week for their masters. This was even higher during busy seasons like ploughing and harvesting. They were very important as they were bound to work in a single manor. After him, his children would start working for the same estate. Serfdom is a concept initiated during Roman rule.

Answer 3

It divided the land so it is more manageable.

Answer 4

Not all places had serfs, but many did, and where there were serfs, they were the people who raised most of the food.

Answer 5

They did ALL the work.