In the Middle Ages, you could be fined four pence for murdering a serf. Serfs were essentially peasants who were tied to the land they worked on and were considered the property of the lord of the manor. Killing a serf was a serious offense as they were seen as valuable laborers who were vital to the feudal system. Murdering a serf was punishable by law, and the fine of four pence was imposed as a form of compensation to the lord for the loss of their property. This was a significant amount of money in the Middle Ages, equivalent to several days' wages for a skilled craftsman or laborer. The legal system in the Middle Ages was harsh and often favored the wealthy and powerful, so fines for crimes like murder were often used as a way to maintain social order and protect the interests of the ruling class. The lives of serfs were not considered as valuable as those of nobles or knights, but their deaths still had consequences. The feudal system was based on a strict hierarchy of power and authority, with serfs at the bottom of the social ladder. They had few rights and were subject to the whims of their lords, who had almost complete control over their lives. Killing a serf was seen as a crime against the feudal order and was punished accordingly. In addition to the fine of four pence, the perpetrator of the crime could also face other forms of punishment, such as imprisonment, exile, or even death. The legal system in the Middle Ages was brutal and unforgiving, and justice was often swift and severe. Overall, the Middle Ages were a time of strict laws and harsh punishments, and the killing of a serf was no exception. The fine of four pence may seem insignificant by modern standards, but in the feudal society of the Middle Ages, it was a significant penalty for a serious crime.

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