DEMESNE FARMING

Particularly common in the 13c, the phrase refers to the practice of a lord farming his land himself, using his villeins, rather than renting it out. A *bailiff would be responsible to his lord for all profits of a *manor. When prices were high, such self-management was advantageous, esp. with free labour; however, at times of uncertainty, a fixed annual sum had merits. -

Cf. Demesne