For a modest rent, the holders of these burgages, the burgesses, became free men, and were released from any feudal services to an overlord. |
But now it had been crushed by the knights of the shires and burgesses in Parliament assembled. |
This new borough was also endowed with land, the income from which was used to pay the salaries of two burgesses at parliament. |
This created a form of town council, made up of aldermen and chief burgesses, headed by a high bailiff. |
Although it gave no additional powers, it did change the title of inhabitants from burgesses to citizens. |
Bacon won election to the burgesses, Virginia's upper house, but was arrested when he tried to take his seat. |