Custumals of Battle Abbey
It is possible from these details to construct a vivid scene of manorial life. Owners of ecclesiastical manors were usually more liberal to their tenants than lay lords. Interesting features are the work of the lord’s officer, the Reeve; the fact that while a half-hide may support a considerable family, the work of only one member is required to do the services; the ease with which the elaborate details of the services led to disputes; the ranks of the various villeins and the consequent difference in the service each paid; the constant use of barter, goods being paid rather than money.
SAXON LAWS OR DOOMS
(Thorpe, Ancient Laws and Institutes)
ETHELBERT
(King of Kent, 560-610.) (p. 2)
(5) If a man slay another in the king’s tun[1] let him make bot[2] with fifty shillings.
(9) If a freeman steal from a freeman, let him make threefold bot; and let the king have the wite[3] and all the chattels.
(17) If any one be the first to make an inroad into a man’s tun let him make bot with six shillings; let him who follows with three shillings; after, each, a shilling.