Folkland

Folkland, the public land of the nation in old English times, what remained to the nation over and above what was possessed by individuals, families, or townships. It was under the control of the king and witan, and, after England was consolidated into one kingdom, was very large. But it was always diminishing, portions being granted to individuals for services rendered, and to the church, &c.; the land so alienated from the public became Bocland (q.v.). Portions were also granted temporarily to individuals for fixed services, and became practically hereditary. Under the Normans the king became supreme in the disposition of the public lands, which became merged in the private property of the kings. The distinction has been recently restored, and what are now called Crown-lands (q.v.) still represent the old Folkland of England. See Stubbs's Constitutional History, and the article LAND LAWS.