Socage

It eventually evolved into the freehold tenure called "free and common socage", which did not involve feudal duties.

Farmers held land in exchange for clearly defined, fixed payments made at specified intervals to feudal lords.

In turn, the lord was obligated to provide certain services, such as protection, to the farmer and other duties to the Crown.

The English statute Quia Emptores of Edward I (1290) established that socage tenure which passed from one generation or nominee to the next would be subject to inquisitions post mortem, which would usually involve a feudal relief tax.

This contrasts with the treatment of leases, which could be lifelong or readily subject to forfeiture and rent increase.