The reason for many properties in the UK (Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales too) being leasehold rather than freehold is that these properties were originally part of a village which used to be under the ownership of a Lord, Duke or royalty. They were part of the 'estate'. The villages originally were taxed by these lords etc on goods sold (farm produce etc) as well as paying what used to be called a 'peppercorn rent' (hence the current expression) which used to 1 penny per year. It is easier for them to leave these leaseholds alone than to issue individual titles for them, they number in the tens of thousands.
Villages were encouraged on estates because they provided labour to the owner as well as young men and boys for their armies..... which everyone had back then.
