During the Middle Ages peasants did not belong to themselves. Everything they owned, their food, homes, and animals all belonged to the lord of the manor. Known as serfs, peasants were required to work for their lord and in return were allowed to farm their own piece of land. Many struggled to produce enough food to feed the families, much less fulfill the duties required of them from their lord. The peasants were not free to leave the manor and were required to ask for permission. To gain freedom a peasant had to save money for his own land or marry a free person.