Some peasants rented their farm from the Crown, that is, the King. During the 12th century, the Crown claimed all the land in the country. Therefore, peasants who cleared new land were in many cases not allowed to keep it, but had to rent it from the Crown.
The fee paid by the Crown tenants covered the needs of the Royal Court. The money was spent on the food and drink needed by the King and his court, when they travelled between the castles in the country. The Bailiff could keep some of the money and goods paid by the peasants. Some Bailiffs made the peasants pay a lot, so that they could earn some extra money. Many peasants complained to the King of the harsh and cruel bailiffs.