Feudalism and the Manor System

Feudalism and the Manor SystemFeudalism and the Manor SystemThe Feudal System

KingsGive large land grants to Upper Lords called fiefsGive ProtectionReceives money, military service, and advice

Greater Lords (Duke, Marquis, Count, Earl)Give land grants to Lesser LordsGive ProtectionReceives money, military service

Lesser Lords (Baron, Baronet, Lord)Give land grants to knightsReceives money, military service

KnightsGive land to peasants/serfsReceives crops, labor

Peasants/ SerfsReceives land to farm Cannot leave that land, EVER.

Pays with labor, crops

The Glue

The Feudal ContractThe Feudal Contract

-A system of mutual obligations.

-NOT a one way street!

- The liegeliege must offer protection and opportunities for wealth.

- The vassalvassal must offer military service, taxes and loyalty

If either party failed to live up to their obligations, the contract was broken.

Often, the same person would be both a vassal and a liege. A vassal to someone of higher rank and a liege to someone of lower rank.

These contracts were declared in a formal, public ceremony known as homage.homage.

How Did You Become A Knight ?How Did You Become A Knight ?

- First, you have to be born to either a lord’s or a knight’s family.

- Age 7 – Become a squire to a lord or knight.

- Age 18 – A squire’s training is complete

- Knights would compete in tournamentstournaments, to prove their skill.

Role of NoblewomenRole of Noblewomen

-While nobles and knights were away at war, noblewomen ran their estates.

-In this respect, they could have considerable power, especially during long wars.