In 1190, Count Philips of Flanders, granted the following privileges to the people of Kortrijk:
“I grant that all serfs who stay in the city of Kortrijk shall be given their freedom. In return, they shall have to pay two silver coins tax to the Church each year, six coins for marriage and twelve coins when they die.
If one of my serfs who does not live in this city, shall move to Kortrijk, he shall be free to do so and live freely among the burghers.”
In 1252, the Countess of Flanders, granted the following privilege to the serfs in Flanders:
“All serfs on our manors are given their freedom. Their homes on the manors will, from now on, be their own property. We free them from their peasant obligations. In return, all serfs shall have to pay us three silver coins per year. Each woman shall have to pay one silver coin per year.”