“As indicated, the basic qualification for an intrinsic burgess, or freeman, was to be at scot and lot.”

“He became a burgess, and supported the government during Bacon's Rebellion.”

“And also I shall have within a year and a day a freehold within the town, at which I may be summoned, or else lose my burgess status forever.”

“This created a form of town council, made up of aldermen and chief burgesses, headed by a high bailiff.”

“For a modest rent, the holders of these burgages, the burgesses, became free men, and were released from any feudal services to an overlord.”

“More numerous than the gentry-become-townsmen were the burgesses who fraternised with the gentry.”