folkland

Folkland is a term that historically referred to land held by free peasants under customary law, distinct from land held by feudal lords or the church. This form of land tenure was common in early medieval Europe, particularly in Germanic societies. Folkland was typically inherited and could be bought, sold, or leased, though these transactions were often subject to community approval or specific customary practices.

The concept of folkland played a significant role in shaping early legal and social structures. It represented a degree of economic independence and autonomy for a portion of the population, allowing them to maintain their livelihoods and contribute to the wider community. Unlike land held by lords, folkland was not subject to the same obligations of service or rent, although other forms of customary dues might apply.

Over time, the prevalence of folkland diminished as feudalism became more entrenched. The expansion of royal or manorial authority often led to the absorption or transformation of folkland into other forms of tenure, such as freehold or leasehold under feudal lords. While the precise definition and legal status of folkland varied geographically and chronologically, its existence signifies an important period in the development of land ownership and peasant rights in medieval Europe. The term itself highlights the connection between the land and the "folk" or people who worked it, underscoring a more communal or traditional approach to property.