The feudal system During the period of history known as the Middle Ages, feudalism was the law of the land. It was the basis by which the upper nobility

The feudal system

•During the period of history known as the Middle Ages, feudalism was the law of the land. It was the basis by which the upper nobility class maintained control over the lower classes. This rigid structure of government consisted of kings, lords, and the peasants.

lords• The lord had many duties like setting up taxes making

laws,overseeing the day to day business of the castle and fief.Also to make decision over the punishment of each crime a person makes.

• Other than this he had serve with his king in court to fight at his side.

• Lords were once knights but by becoming powerful they became lords.

• When a lord becomes powerful enough he can set up his own government.

• They also use their power to claim lands.

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serfs• Medieval Serfs were peasants who worked his

lord's land and paid him certain dues in return for the use of land, the possession (not the ownership) of which was heritable.

• The dues were usually in the form of labor on the lord's land.

• Medieval Serfs were expected to work for approximately 3 days each week on the lord's land.

• They were poor • Their homes were small and were huts• Their homes were near the castle

• The Medieval serfs did not receive their land as a free gift; for the use of it they owed certain duties to their master.





vassals• The word vassal means servant.• Vassals could promise their loyalty to more than one person. • A vassal might pledge their support to 10 or 12 lords.• The lord had to count on his vassals when in battle.• The vassal was required to attend the lord at his court,

help administer justice, and contribute money if needed.• He must answer a summons to battle, bringing an agreed

upon number of fighting men.

• he must feed and house the lord and his company when they travelled across his land.

• When vassals helps their lord they get part of the land.• The land was called a “fief”.

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The history• The word feudalism was not a medieval term but an

invention of 16th century French and English lawyers to describe certain traditional obligations between members of the warrior aristocracy.The earliest known use of the term feudal was in the 17th century (1614).

• “Feudalism" comes from the French “feodalisme”• It started the 11th century and ended around

the 15th century.

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Documents

The feudal system During the period of history known as the Middle Ages, feudalism was the law of the land. It was the basis by which the upper nobility