Legal Definitions - de libero passagio

de libero passagio

De libero passagio is a legal term that means "of free passage." It refers to a writ that allowed people to cross over water without any hindrance or payment.

• A farmer needed to cross a river to get to his fields on the other side. He obtained a de libero passagio writ from the local lord, which allowed him to cross the river without paying any tolls.
• A merchant needed to transport goods by boat down a river. He obtained a de libero passagio writ from the king, which allowed him to pass through any toll stations without paying any fees.

These examples illustrate how de libero passagio was used to grant free passage over waterways. It was a way for people to travel without being burdened by tolls or fees, which could be especially important for farmers and merchants who needed to transport goods across rivers.