Life and Death In Medieval Times: Norman England Flashcards
Edward the Confessor
King of England in 1066
Feudalism
The system of land ownership where rulers divided land among their followers in return for loyalty and taxes.
Oath of Vassals
Swore to the king, promising to fight for him, provide him with troops and pay him taxes
Peasants
People who worked on a lords land
Motte and Bailey
Temporary castle
Curtain walls
Enclosed the castle and protected those inside.
Keep
Main building inside the walls. It held the lords apartments, the great hall and a chapel. Windows were narrow to keep in heat and to make defence easier.
Dungeons
Store food and hold prisoners.
Bailey
Enclosed areas at the keep.
Moat
Ditch filled with water.
Drawbridge
Raised or lowered to control entry to the castle.
Portcullis
Metal grid that could be lowered over the gate.
Dowry
Sum of money or land.
Minstrels
Musicians
Foot soldiers
Made up the largest part of any army. Fought with swords, daggers and spears and had shields and leather padded jackets for protection. Were peasants who returned to the fields when battle or war was over.
Archers
Fought with bow and arrows or sometimes a longbow or crossbow.
Knights
Were minor nobles who fought on horseback and swore oath of chivalry. They wore full body armour (plate armour), chainmail, a shield and a helmet for protection and used lances, swords and maces in battle .
Stage 1: Page
At the age seven, a boy would be sent to live with the family of another lord: this would be known as fostering. He would learn to ride a horse, use a sword, sing and dance, manners.
Stage 2: Squire
Age 14, the boy began learning to fight on horseback.
Oath of chivalry
Stay loyal to his lord, protect the poor and weak and be brave in battle
