Feudalism refers to a general set of reciprocal
legal and
military obligations among the warrior
nobility of
Europe during the
Middle Ages, revolving around the three key concepts of
lords,
vassals, and
fiefs. Defining feudalism requires many qualifiers because there is no broadly accepted agreement of what it means. For one to begin to understand feudalism, a working definition is desirable. The definition described in this article is the most senior and classic definition and is still subscribed to by many historians.
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The army available to a
lord resulting from the obligations to field a number of
knights and
men-at-arms in exchange for the land and it’s income. This military service was the mainstay of medieval forces until the middle of the 14th century, consisting generally of 40 days military service in the field or as a
castle guard. The
liegeman would usually appear as required, with the type of warhorse, armament and attendants specified in the contract, or he could pay
scutage to avoid the service.
By the middle of the 14th century, fewer and fewer knights were appearing for their service, preferring to pay scutage instead, with which the lord could hire mercenary knights to serve. With the
Hundred Years War , the monarchs required longer campaigns, so they began to pay their troops with
booty and with paid service. Many unattached knights, who don’t own their own manor, would hire on in for a campaign in the hopes of receiving valuable horses, riches,
ransoms and other booty in exchange for their service. Gradually the feudal obligation fell on and professional armies were increased.
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