Being a commoner was a hard job! It meant working every day, and if you were a commoner you didn't always own your own land. There were two types: freemen and serfs. A freeman had "bought" his freedom from a lord. But a serf had to work until he could pay for his freedom, or join a holy order, or marry a freewoman.

Most often, you would give up your land to a noble (lord or baron or knight) who served the king. He would have a small army and would protect the land and the crops.

Everything you grew belonged to the king and the lord who looked after your town. Most food was shared between all the families. And you might not want to run away because things could be worse in other places. There were all sorts of thieves and crime.

Ready to find out more?

Get your pencil and your journal!

Below are different places in the web. I've made sure they're safe. Remember the rule!

Click here to read about commoners!

Click here to read about commoners who can share in the King's feasts!

Click here to read about the women- both peasant and noble! (good comparisons to add to your first journal entry!)

From here you will need to go to Ye Olde Local (or school) Library. There you shall find the rest of the resources you will require. Click here to get a list of the ones we and King One-Click recommend!

When you are finished with your research and notes in your journal, click on the commoner below to hear what he has to say.

Now you've learned about commoners, villeins and female duties, and you may have even found the third knight! It's time to make your final choice of the day!