Frisian freedom

Absence of feudalism in medieval Frisia

The Frisian freedom (Old Frisian: Fresiska fridom; West Frisian: Fryske frijheid; Dutch: Friese vrijheid; German: Friesische Freiheit; Latin: Frisonica libertas) was the form of governance, legal system, and social structure in Frisia during the Middle Ages, characterised by self-government and the absence of feudalism. Its main aspects included freedom from serfdom, feudal duties, and taxation, as well as the election of judges and adjudicators. According to medieval chronicles, exemption from feudalism was granted to the Frisians by Charlemagne, although the earliest evidence of regional autonomy appears in the 11th century and explicit references to "Frisian freedom" date to the 13th century.

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