Still, the aims of the medieval burgess are more uniform,
from one place to another and from one generation to another, than we might
anticipate in ages when information travelled slowly, and when the relations of
every town to its lord were settled by a separate treaty. In modern Europe the
town is an administrative district of the state, and is organised upon a
standard pattern. In medieval Europe the town-charter was frequently a
compromise with the caprices and the interests of a petty seignor; and even
kings were inclined to deal with the towns which stood upon the royal demesne
in a spirit of the frankest opportunism.
Moreover, the inclination of all
lords was to meddle with their burgesses no further than seemed necessary to
ensure the full and punctual discharge of all services and pecuniary dues. So
long as these were guaranteed, the internal affairs of the town might be left
for the residents to settle as seemed good to them. But, as to the main conditions
of the compact, each of the contracting parties holds clear-cut and unwavering
views. The lords are agreed that privileges of trade and tenure may safely be
granted if the chief magistrates are nominated by, and accountable to
themselves. The townsfolk, on the other hand, assume that promises of free
tenure and free trade will be worth nothing unless accompanied by the
permission to elect all magistrates and councils.
