After the Norman invasion the name of Villein, a person attached to
the villa, was given to the serfs. The village was their residence.
Occasional instances of enfranchisement took place; the word
signified being made free, and at that time every FREEMAN was
entitled to a vote. The word enfranchise has latterly come to bear
a different meaning, and to apply solely to the possession of a
vote, but it originally meant the elevation of a serf into the
condition of a FREEMAN. The act of enfranchisement was a public
ceremony usually performed at the church door. The last act of
ownership performed by the master was the piercing of the right ear
with an awl. Many serfs fled into the towns, where they were
enfranchised and became FREEMEN.

The disaffection of the common people increased; they were borne
down with oppression. They struggled against their masters, and
tried to secure their personal liberty, and the freedom of their
land. The population rose in masses in the reign of Richard II.,
and demanded--

1st. The total abolition of slavery for themselves and their
children forever;

2d. The reduction of the rent of good land to 4d. per acre;

3d. The right of buying and selling, like other men, in markets and
fairs;

4th. The pardon of all offences.

The monarch acted upon insidious advice; he spoke them fair at