Feudal Society

Ch 24

Three Important Groups

Clergy Nobles Peasants

Who has the power?

• Power was based on land ownership

King owned all the land

Charles Martel rewarded

soldiers with land

(fiefs/estates)

Land ownership became tied to military service

How the nobles got their power…

Weak kings depended on nobles for food and horses

Nobles grew more powerful than the king and became

independent rulers

Peasants became tied to nobles as

they worked their land and turned to them for protection

Lord and VassalI’m a less powerful noble. I swear to serve you and help you in battle. If your family celebrates a big event, I will give you money. If you are held hostage, I will pay your ransom.

I’m the most powerful noble. In return for your allegiance, I will give you a fief (estate) and the right to govern the people who live in your fief. Don’t forget our monthly meetings!

Vassal Lord

The Home of a Noble

Manor House• Palisade

Castle• Drawbridge• Portcullis• Keep

Life as a Noble

• Hunting • Fishing• Court• Chess• Minstrels• Ladies

Knights

• Code of Chivalry• Training• Page • Squire• Dubbing• Tournaments• Joust

Life on the Manor

• Seneschal• Bailiff• Freemen• Serfs