What was a bailiff in the middle ages?

In the Middle Ages, a bailiff was an official responsible for the administration of a specific area, often serving a lord or a manorial estate. Their duties included collecting rents, managing agricultural production, overseeing laborers, and maintaining order within the jurisdiction. Bailiffs acted as intermediaries between the lord and the peasantry, ensuring that the lord's interests were upheld while also addressing the needs of the local community. They played a crucial role in the feudal system, helping to enforce laws and manage resources.