Medieval Feudal System

(STEWE-1) With a fief they got knights to protect the land (Norman 103). (STEWE-2) The lord's wealth came from the food, rent, fines, and fees he collected from the peasants (Cels 18). (SIP-B)

These relationships were called feudalism (Doc. 1). Feudalism and the Church greatly contributed to the social, economic, and political life in Europe in the Middle Ages. “Feudalism was a political, economic, and social system which included kings, nobles, knights, and serfs (Doc. 1).” Every position or status had a job that benefitted another ranking (Doc. 1). For example, a king grants land to nobles, nobles granted land to knights, and knights grant land to serfs (Doc. 1).

Both systems together illustrated the legal, economic, and social aspects of the Middle Ages, were known as the guidelines for the proprietors of the time, and were closely interconnected; nevertheless, they are still known as two separate systems with a few significant disparities, mainly their distinct concepts. The primary difference between the two was that Feudalism was a diplomatic and military framework, while Manorialism was a fiscal framework for the feudal estates of society, and it did not have the military component present in Feudalism. An example of this is how Feudalism included the concept of a fief, which was the agreement between the lord and the vassal to give the vassal land and his protection in exchange for his service.

The Medieval Ages were a time where many things like romance, art, music, poetry, disease and death all thrived. Everyone in this time period had a different point of view on it. Some thought it was a golden age, some thought it was an age of feudalism, and some also thought it was a dark age. Yes, this time may have had its ups, but it also had many, many downs. Its darkest times consisted of Barbarian invasions, death, and wars.

In order to work it also required the loyalty of those who worked and a sense of community. Community was important because it was impossible to survive by one’s self. The more hands that could work meant the more food that could be harvested. Society in medieval ages was held together by loyalty and honour. Honour codes were set in place, and the people followed them.

For example, in 1347 at Cuxham manor in England a labored received two shillings a week, but by 1350 a laborer was paid nearly 11 shillings. Since the nobles had less wealth they were unable to afford the live and luxuries they were accustomed to. Unable to lead the same lives their high social status was affected. Soon everyone in Europe had a lower standard of living. As a result of the nobles being unable to afford much of what they used to buy the economy for these

Underneath the nobles and barons, there are knights that are trained from the age of 7. In return for service to the nobles and barons, they are given grants of land. The peasants and serfs are on the bottom of the social system, there are peasants who farm the land in return for shelter and protection (history.com). This compares with

In medieval England, social status and rank are very important in everyday life. There are some things a person is obligated to do because of his/her social rank, and some things a person is forbidden to do because of his/her social class. In the movie, the Knight’s Tale there is a very good example of how social classes can not do certain things beyond their class. William Thatcher, for example cannot technically be a knight by birth because he is born into the lower social class.

Surrounding the manor house were the houses and buildings of peasants, as well as a wall used for protection. (Frey 1) The manor was self-sustaining, meaning that it grew or produced everything necessary for it’s survival. An outside product was rarely necessary. The manor works this way because of the peasants who worked on it, many with a specialized profession such as a blacksmith or carpenter, who produced for it.

One of the most important part of Feudal society the oath of Homage and Fealty. The Oath of Homage and Fealty required many things from both the lord and his vassal. The vassal was required to give the king, which he was declaring loyalty to, a certain set of obligations(Nelson). This would provide system between the vassal and the lord that allowed for a smooth economy to run because both the vassal and the king benefit and they have a system of trade. The vassal also had their own set of vassals called sub vassals, that were obligated to give to the vassal in return for a few things.

The inhabitants of Artigat did not have to pay manorial dues or services. In result they had free and allodial lands. () These lands belonged to the community or the king if there was one. The second kind of power peasants had in shaping and reshaping their own lives is becoming a becoming a rural merchant.

The control of the different types of classes, nobles, knights, and pheasants. Second Paragraph: The drawbacks and cons of the Feudal system. Third Paragraph: The benefits that the feudal system offers to each class.

Lots of the peasants and farmers lived in the village that the castle is watching over and that surrounds the castle. All of these people were a part of the feudal system and everyone played an important part to keep the castle

In return, peasants reimburse the lord by working his property and giving a portion of food they produce. Manors are self sufficient groups; everything that was needed is created by the

During the Middle Ages a new system of government arose; this was called Feudalism. Feudalism came to be, many centuries after the fall of Western Rome in 476. With Western Rome destroyed the Western people couldn’t defend themselves without any form of government shielding them. So, they came up with a government which was Feudalism. The people who created Feudalism were Norman’s which were people from the French Territory, Normandy.