1. Serfdom and Labor Obligations:
- Serfs: In many regions, peasants were considered serfs and were legally bound to the land. They could not leave the land or the lordship without permission.
- Labor Dues: Peasants were required to work a certain number of days per week for their lord on the manorial land. This was known as labor service, corvée, or week work.
2. Feudal Dues and Rent:
- Rent: Peasants paid rent to the lord, usually in the form of a portion of their agricultural produce, such as a percentage of the harvest or livestock.
- Talliage: Additional charges or taxes imposed by the lord on peasants.
- Chevage: A head tax paid by each peasant household to the lord.
3. Legal and Judicial Obligations:
- Court Attendances: Peasants were often required to attend the lord's court and participate in judicial proceedings, serving as witnesses or taking oaths.
- Fines and Fees: They could be subjected to fines and fees for various offenses or disputes resolved in the lord's court.
4. Military Service:
- Defense and Watch: In some cases, peasants may have been obligated to help defend the lord's territory or perform guard duty.
5. Restrictions on Mobility:
- Restrictions: Peasants may have been tied to the land and could not leave the manor or the lord's jurisdiction without permission, as they were considered property of the lord.
6. Gifts and Presents:
- Tithes and First Fruits: Peasants sometimes offered a portion of their harvest or produce as 'tithes' or payments to the lord, church, or monastery.
- Occasional gifts might be expected as a show of respect or gratitude.
It's essential to note that specific peasant responsibilities could vary across different regions, time periods, and feudal systems across Europe. The burden of feudal obligations differed from place to place and evolved over time due to various economic, legal, and societal changes.