End of Europe's Middle Ages

Obligations of Vassalage Agreements

While the lord was responsible for providing leadership, justice and protection against other powers, the vassal was required to guarantee services to his lord which often included:

  1. homage: a formal act of submission to the lord.
  2. fealty: a sworn pledge of loyalty to uphold the interests of the lord.
  3. suit to court: the requirement to convene at lord's residence to conduct business and to decide military, judicial and political matters.
  4. military service
  5. aids: material or financial assistance due to lord when required at certain times. These were not regular taxes.


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The End of Europe's Middle Ages / Applied History Research Group / University of Cakgary
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