THE FEUDAL SYSTEMA social, economic, and political system of organization.

FEUDALISM

William the Conqueror from Normandy, France introduced the Feudal System to England in 1066 when he became the King of England.

FEUDALISM

Was based on the 3 F’sFief – land

Fealty – loyalty

Faith – religion (Christianity)

Feudal Contract

Between the lord and his vassal

Was an oath of allegiance (homage) in a formal ceremony

Everyone in the feudal society was involved in an oath of allegiance

Feudal Pyramid

Obligations and Responsibilities

MONARCHGives land to nobles in exchange for loyalty

Defends nobles from attack and settles disputes between two or more nobles

Protects nobles and administers justice

Nobles

Promises king fealty (loyalty) in exchange for land

Serves in king’s army for a certain amount of days per year

Supply king with extra knights in time of war

Serve in king’s court and give him advice

Lesser Nobles/Minor Nobles

Involved in an oath of allegiance/feudal contract with greater nobles

Serve as knights in times of war

Have some land

Noble – has land

Commoners/Peasants

Freeholder - Own the land they farm, pay a yearly fee (rent) to the lords

Craftsmen and Merchants – Make and sell products on the manor: tanners, blacksmiths, bakers

Serfs – No power, considered part of the property

Work the land as farmers and live on the manor

Not slaves – nobles could not remove their right to work and live on the land.

The Manor

All classes live together, with the exception of the pope and king.

The manor is a large farm with a village.

Manor