THE FEUDAL SYSTEM
A 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’s
Fief – 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
MONARCH
Gives 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