The Feudal System

Question 1

Define hierarchy

Answer 1

A way of organising society by authority levels, the most important person at the top

Question 2

What were the four main ranks in the system?

Answer 2

King
Tenants-in-Chief
Knights
Peasants

Question 3

What was the King’s role in the system?

Answer 3

He granted land and tax concessions

Provided peace, law, protection in return for loyalty and service

Question 4

What was the tenants-in-chief- role in the system?

Answer 4

They granted land and privileges to Knights

Assisting and advising the government

Question 5

What were the peasants’ role in the system?

Answer 5

They worked on the land that was owned by their Lord

Question 6

What were the three types of peasants in the feudal system?

Answer 6

i. Freeman, paid rent for their land but could move
ii. Villein, a peasant who was the property of their lord and couldn’t move
iii. Cottar, a peasant who held a cottage with a small piece of land

Question 7

What was the Royal Demesne?

Answer 7

The land that was owned and kept by the King

Question 8

What were two features of Knight Service?

Answer 8

i. To serve in the King’s army for at least two months, they had to provide their own resources
ii. To perform up to 40 days’ service in guarding the lord’s castle and in training

Question 9

What were two features of Labour service?

Answer 9

i. They had to work for their overlords by collecting the harvest for farming the land
ii. They didn’t owe military service as it was the duty of their Lord to protect them

Question 10

How did forfeiture help the feudal system function properly?

Answer 10

It meant that if a vassal didn’t perform as he promised to in his oath, then his land would be taken away