The justice and government of a town lay wholly in its master's hands; he appointed its bailiffs, received the fines and forfeitures of his tenants, and the fees and tolls of their markets and fairs.

But in fact when once these dues were paid and these services rendered the English townsman was practically free.

His rights were as rigidly defined by custom as those of his lord.

Property and person alike were secured against arbitrary seizure.

He could demand a fair trial on any charge, and even if justice was administered by his master's reeve it was administered in the presence and with the assent of his fellow-townsmen.