The payments in money or kind, or in work of the third class, to which the word gafol, or tribute, was applied, were more like modern rent, rates, and taxes than incidents of serfdom.
Comparing the services of the villani with those of the cottiers or bordarii, the difference evidently turns upon the size of the holdings, and the possession or non-possession of oxen.
Cottiers' services.
Naturally ploughing was a prominent item in the services of the villanus holding a virgate, with his 'stuht,' or outfit of two oxen. As naturally the services of the bordarius or cottager did not include ploughing, but were limited to smaller services.
But apparently the services of each class were equally servile. Both were in villenage, and week-work was the chief mark of the serfdom of both.
Besides the servile week-work and 'gafol,' &c., there were also other incidents of villenage felt to be restrictions upon freedom, and so of a servile nature. Of these the most general were—
Other servile incidents.
- The requirement of the lord's licence for the marriage of a daughter, and fine on incontinence. [p080]
- The prohibition of sale of oxen, &c., without the lord's licence.
- The obligation to use the lord's mill, and do service at his court.
- The obligation not to leave the land without the lord's licence.
It was the week-work of the villanus, and these restrictions on his personal liberty, which were felt to be serfdom.[106]
All limited by custom.