Aim:
Explain the Structure of
Feudalism & Role of the
Manor System?
Feudalism Structures Society
System of governing and landholding
called Feudalism emerged in Europe
Political system in which nobles are granted
the use of lands that legally belong to their king
in exchange for loyalty and protection from
people that live on land.
Feudal System based on rights and
obligations
In exchange for military protection
and other services, a lord (landowner)
granted a fief (land)
Person receiving the fief was a Vassal
The Feudal Pyramid
Structure of feudal society looks
like a pyramid
Feudal Pyramid
Peak reigned the king
Next was most powerful vassal
Wealthy landowners
Serving beneath Vassals were Knights
At base of pyramid were landless
peasants
Peasants were not slaves
Most peasants in Middle Ages
were Serfs
Couldn’t lawfully leave place where they
were born
The Manor System
The Manor was the lords estate
Basic economic arrangement
System rested on set of rights
and obligations between lord and
serfs
Lord provided serfs with housing
In return, serfs tended to lords lands
and farms
Manor typically consisted of
lord’s manor house, church, and
workshops
Self sufficient community
Produced everything on land