free tenure

In medieval law, free tenure referred to a system where land was held by tenants from lords, with the king at the top of the hierarchy. This system was divided into free and unfree tenures. Free tenures included tenure in chivalry (like knight service, which involved military duties or payment in lieu) and socage (often involving agricultural work). Another form was spiritual tenure, where bishops or monasteries held land solely to pray for the grantor's soul.1

Freehold, in English law, signifies substantial land ownership for an indefinite period, held under free tenure. Holders of free tenures were distinguished from those in nonfreehold estates like copyhold. Vassals, who received land (fiefs) in return for services, owed loyalty (fealty) to their overlords. Over time, vassals gained more rights, making fiefs hereditary.23