While these important changes were taking place, the towns were
growing in population and wealth (S183). But as these towns occupied
land belonging either directly to the King or to some baron, they were
subject to the authority of one or the other, and so possessed no real
freedom. In the reign of Richard I many towns purchased certain
rights of self-government from the King.[1] This power of controlling
their own affairs greatly increased their prosperity, and in time, as
we shall see, secured them a voice in the management of the affairs of
the nation.
[1] See S183.