Final answer:
In medieval times, serfs needed their lord's permission to travel to the nearest town, reflecting the restrictive nature of the manorial system and feudal obligations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In medieval times, the serfs required permission from their lord to travel to the nearest town. Under the manorial system, serfs were tied to the land, which implied that their geographical movement was also regulated by the lord. While serfs managed both their own plots and the lord's land, their social status and obligations to the lord nearly rendered them immobile without his consent.
Feudalism dictated the economic and political life of the Middle Ages, with the lords at the center of this hierarchy. Lords had the power to grant permissions, provide protection, and resolve disputes within their manor. This system was grounded on a network of obligations, where the serfs' duties included a set number of service days and adherence to the lord's control regarding their personal affairs.