It is important
to note that the Domesday figures refer to heads of households rather than to
individuals; so that the total population of Santon Downham would have been at
least four times larger than the 20 individuals recorded.(approximately 80
people including women and children) A freeman held his land by money rent and
owed no labour service to his lord. Smallholders or 'borders were cottagers
possibly freed slaves who held a few acres of land. They had to work as
labourers for a more substantial tenant. Serfs or slaves would have done most of
the manual work in Santon Downham. They did not normally have land of their own
and had to be fed and housed at the lord's expense.
Population of Santon Downham from Domesday to the present day.
It is important
to note that the Domesday figures refer to heads of households rather than to
individuals; so that the total population of Santon Downham would have been at
least four times larger than the 20 individuals recorded.(approximately 80
people including women and children) A freeman held his land by money rent and
owed no labour service to his lord. Smallholders or 'borders were cottagers
possibly freed slaves who held a few acres of land. They had to work as
labourers for a more substantial tenant. Serfs or slaves would have done most of
the manual work in Santon Downham. They did not normally have land of their own
and had to be fed and housed at the lord's expense.