Feudalism In The Middle Ages

In a time of darkness, confusion, illness, and loss, medieval Europeans needed structure and someone to follow. Feudalism played a huge role in the organization of the social hierarchy during the Middle Ages. Manorialism was a large contributing factor to the success of feudalism.The lady of the manor was therefore an extremely important role. Feudalism was a significant force during medieval times and the lady was very important to implementing the system.

The system of feudalism provided structure and stability to the lives of all people in medieval times by creating social classes and therefore a place to belong. Feudalism was a system sustained by levels. This medieval social system could be seen as a hierarchy, where everyone had their

Monarchs had to fulfill requirements in order for the feudal system to work. Kings and Queens were expected to keep order and give protection to their vassals (Alavosus). Without strong leadership provided to all levels, feudalism couldn’t continue. The people needed an overarching ruler to follow, and the monarch had to fit that role. The king or queen also had to be able to provide safety to those below them. The king gave grants to land to nobility (King and Epperly 26). More specifically, the king would allow members of nobility-the higher-ups- to use a section of land, often many acres, and have a manor. Under this grant, called a fief, the receiver of the land, or the vassal, could live well. A fief was given during a ceremony of homage, and it often was an estate including animals, land, tools, a building, and serfs (King and Epperly 28). The monarch also received quite a bit in return. They received promised military protection and loyalty from many vassals in return for granting fiefs (Alavosus). The fiefs that vassals received came at a price. The king would require loyalty, or homage, to be sworn under something called an oath of fealty. In return for granting a fief, a king would be assured that if a time came where military protection would be necessary to preserve the king’s life, it would be available. Kings