Serfs had very few rights. They could not leave the manor without the lord's permission, and they could not marry without his consent. They could be beaten or imprisoned by the lord, and they had no legal recourse.
Serfdom was a common form of labor in Europe during the Middle Ages. It began to decline in the 14th century, as the Black Death reduced the population and made labor more scarce. By the 16th century, serfdom had been abolished in most parts of Europe.
Here are some specific examples of the roles serfs played in medieval society:
* They worked in the fields, planting and harvesting crops.
* They tended to the lord's animals.
* They built and repaired the lord's castle and other buildings.
* They served as the lord's household servants.
* They provided transportation for the lord and his family.
Serfs were an essential part of the medieval economy. They provided the labor that was needed to produce food and other goods. Without them, the feudal system would not have been able to function.