Legal Definitions - bordage

Bordage refers to a historical form of land tenure, common in medieval Europe, where a tenant occupied a small dwelling, typically a cottage, along with a modest plot of land. In return for the use of this property, the tenant was obligated to provide specific, customary services to the landowner, often referred to as the lord of the manor. These services were usually non-monetary and could include labor, agricultural work, or other duties defined by local custom.

• Example 1: Agricultural Labor

  Imagine a peasant family in 12th-century England. They live in a small cottage with a garden plot, granted to them by the local baron. Instead of paying rent in coin, the head of the household is required to spend several days each week working on the baron's demesne lands, plowing fields, harvesting crops, or maintaining fences.

  This illustrates bordage because the family holds a small property (a cottage and garden) and provides customary agricultural labor (services) to the lord in exchange for it.

• Example 2: Specialized Craft Services

  Consider a village weaver during the medieval period. The lord of the manor provides him with a small cottage and a patch of land for a vegetable garden. In return, the weaver is expected to mend the lord's tapestries, weave cloth for the lord's household, or provide other textile-related services as needed, rather than paying monetary rent.

  Here, the weaver occupies a small dwelling and land, and his specialized craft services fulfill the customary obligations to the lord, fitting the definition of bordage.

• Example 3: Maintenance and Domestic Services

  Picture a household on a large estate where a family occupies a small dwelling near the manor house. Their agreement with the lord dictates that in exchange for their cottage and a small pasture for a few animals, they must regularly assist with the upkeep of the manor grounds, perhaps clearing brush, fetching water, or performing minor repairs, as well as occasionally helping with domestic tasks within the manor house.

  This scenario demonstrates bordage as the family receives a cottage and land, and their payment is in the form of maintenance and domestic services provided to the lord.