Middle Ages

The pattern of organisation of people in a given society 

Also known as the medieval period, the time period that stretched roughly from the 5th to the 15th century. The term was coined to describe the era between the time of ancient Rome and the Renaissance.

A battle that took place in 1066 to determine the ruler of England. The English, led by Harold II, were defeated by the Normans, led by William, Duke of Normandy.

The sworn followers of a lord. He was often the recipient of a fief from his lord.

The granter of a fief in exchange for service from a vassal

The ceremony in which a man became a vassal of a lord 

The agreement or arrangement between lords and vassals in which a fief was exchanged for service

Something of value that was held, but not owned, by a person during the Middle Ages. People receiving these were usually required to offer something to the lord, the giver of the thing of value. It could be anything of value-land, public offices or church positions.

A religious woman who takes vows of poverty and service

People who buy and sell goods. They can also be skilled craftsmen (artisans) who make their own goods and sell them.