They were taxed beyond their ability, while priest and noble were exempt.

They had no voice in the apportionment of the money thus contributed.

There was no redress against the lawless violence to which they were perpetually exposed.

In the manorial courts, the criminal sat in judgment upon his victim.

The functions of highwayman and magistrate were combined in one individual.
By degrees, the class of freemen, artisans, traders, and the like, becoming the more numerous, built stronger and better houses outside the castle gates of the "land's master" or the burghs of the more powerful nobles.