Feudalism and Manors

1. Feudalism and Manors By: Kyson C, Tristen L, Jordan J, Tristan Z, Allison M.

2. Feudalism • It was introduced to England following the invasion and conquest of the country by William I. The system had been used by France by the Normans from when they first settled in about 900AD. It was simple, but effective and all land was owned by the King. On quarter was kept by the King for his property, some was given to the church and the rest was leased out under strict controls. • The King had complete control and owned all land. He decided who to lease land to and only gave it to men he could trust. Before they got it they had to swear an oath to remain faithful to the King. The people who owned the leased property were known as Barons; they were wealthy, powerful and had complete control of the land.

3. Feudalism Continued • Barons leased land which was known as a manor. They were the Lord of that manor. The established their own system of justice, minted their own money and set their own taxes. However they had to serve on the royal council, pay rent and provide the King with Knights for military service. They also had to provide lodging and food for the King and hid court when they travelled. They kept the land they wanted and split the rest between the Knights. Barons were very rich. • Knights had to protect the Baron and his family, as well as the Manor, from attack. Knights kept the amount of land they got from the Baron for themselves and split the rest up for the villeins (serfs). They were not as rich as the Barons but were quite wealthy. • Villeins, sometimes known as serfs, had to provide the Knight with free labour, food and service whenever it was demanded. They were not allowed to leave the Manor and had to ask the Lord’s permission before they could marry. Villeins were poor.

4. What is a knight? • A knight was one of three types if fighting men (Knights, Foot Soldiers, and Archers). They were basically the super-soldiers. Thinkquest.org compares them to a modern day tank. But it was very expensive to be a knight. The horse itself could cost as much as a small airplane.

5. Armor • Knight’s armor was essential. They were covered from head to foot. They would first put on light clothing, followed by heavy padding, ending with a coat of chainmail. Chainmail was formed of thousands of little metal rings linked together. After a while, chainmail proved to be too heavy so they replace it with metal plates instead. They would also wear a bucket like helmet with visors to protect the sides. The armor itself would weigh anywhere from 40-60 lbs. The more wealthy knights would even cover their horses in armor.

6. Weapons • One vital part of existence of for the knights is weapons and, of course, a shield. Shield’s were either made of wood or metal and would sport the family’s coat of arms and motto. Without a shield, someone might’ve died. Probably. Weapons were also fairly important. Without a weapon, they might have well been home doing something useful. The long sword was the primary weapon. It was approximately 32 pounds and worn on the left. They would also carry a dagger on the right. They would also use maces, battle axes, battle hammers, and spears.

7. Weapon Pictures

8. The Training of a Knight • The path of a Knight started at an extremely early age. They were of noble decent and were sent away at the age of 7 to become a Page. Three main skill were taught as they advanced throughout their training. These skills were Horsemanship, archery, and swordsmanship. • A big misconception that is associated with Knight Guilds is that all of them were male. While they were rare there were in fact female guilds. • The next step began at age 10. They would be come a squire. In this section of his/her training the student would continue to improve physical strength and further their skills. One huge part of their training was when they were matched with a Knight who would train them. In return the squire would take care of the Knights horse.

9. Chivalry • As they passed through the path to becoming a Knight they learned many other things including Chivalry also known as their code of honor. • To respect the honor of women • Never to refuse a challenge from an equal • To live by honor and for glory • To serve the liege lord in valor and faith • This was very important because I kept the Knights inline. It would lead the course of the rest of their life.

10. Eleanor of Aquitane • One of the most powerful and fascinating personalities of feudal in Europe. • At the age 15 she married Louis vii, King of France, bringing into the union her vast possessions from the river Loire to the Pyrenees.

11. In (1122-1204 C.E.) • She lived until her eighties, becoming one of the great political and wealthy powers of medieval Europe. • Eleanor’s court was a trend setter in the medieval world, known for its sophistictication and luxury. Heavily influenced by the Spanish courts of the moors, it gave patronage to poets and encourged the art of the troubadours, some of whom were believed to be in love with the beautiful Eleanor. • One story is that in her effort to shed her rough knights of their unruly ways, she made up a mock trial in which the court ladies sat on an elevaled plat form and judged the knights, who read poems of homage to women and acted out proper courting techniques.