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