What were intruded servants?

Answer 1

Intruded servants were individuals in medieval and early modern England, often from lower social classes, who occupied land or properties without the owner's permission. They typically took advantage of the owner's absence or neglect, leading to disputes over land rights. The term highlights the tensions between landowners and the lower classes during periods of social and economic change. Intruded servants were often involved in agricultural work and could be seen as both opportunists and victims of circumstance.