The Feudal System
At the top of this pyramid was the King. He had the access to all of the land in the country and he was the one who decided to give what to whom. However , he only 'leased' his land to his most trustworthy people who swore under oath to keep their loyalty to the king and also provide money and protection (the knights). These were the Barons or Lords.
Second on this pyramid are the Barons (or Lords), These were wealthy men that the King had granted land to in order for them to provide protection for the King. And the way they did that was granting part of their land to the Knights.
Third were the Knights. Who in return of receiving land from the Barons, under oath, provided military service and protection to the King whenever needed.
And last on this pyramid were the villeins or peasants. These were the lowest class people who lived on the knights land and payed them in labor, consisting mostly of harvesting food and taking care around the house and land.
links :http://www.historyonthenet.com/Medieval_Life/feudalism.htm,http://library.thinkquest.org/10949/fief/hifeudal.html#
Second on this pyramid are the Barons (or Lords), These were wealthy men that the King had granted land to in order for them to provide protection for the King. And the way they did that was granting part of their land to the Knights.
Third were the Knights. Who in return of receiving land from the Barons, under oath, provided military service and protection to the King whenever needed.
And last on this pyramid were the villeins or peasants. These were the lowest class people who lived on the knights land and payed them in labor, consisting mostly of harvesting food and taking care around the house and land.
links :http://www.historyonthenet.com/Medieval_Life/feudalism.htm,http://library.thinkquest.org/10949/fief/hifeudal.html#