Legal Definitions - fief d'hauberk

A fief d'hauberk refers to a specific type of land grant during the feudal period where the primary condition for holding the land was the provision of military service. The term literally translates to "fief of a hauberk," with a hauberk being a piece of chainmail armor worn by knights. This signifies that the holder of such a fief was obligated to supply a fully equipped knight, or a specified number of knights, to their lord when called upon, rather than paying rent or performing other forms of labor.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: The Baron's Estate

  Lord Alaric, a powerful baron, held a vast estate directly from the King. A significant portion of this estate was granted to Sir Kael as a fief d'hauberk. In exchange for the lands and the income derived from them, Sir Kael was bound by an agreement to personally serve Lord Alaric as a knight for a certain number of days each year, and to bring with him two additional armed knights and their retinue whenever the King or Lord Alaric called for military action. This arrangement ensured Lord Alaric had a standing force of trained warriors at his disposal, funded by the land itself.

  Explanation: Sir Kael's obligation to provide himself and two other knights, fully equipped for battle (symbolized by the hauberk), directly in exchange for the land grant, perfectly illustrates a fief d'hauberk. The land's purpose was to support the military service.

• Example 2: The Borderland Watch

  Along the volatile northern border of the kingdom, a strategic castle and its surrounding lands were granted to Lady Isolde. This grant was explicitly a fief d'hauberk, requiring Lady Isolde to maintain a garrison of ten knights at all times, ready to defend against incursions. The revenues from the land were intended to cover the costs of equipping, feeding, and housing these knights. If the border was breached, Lady Isolde was personally obligated to lead her knights into battle to repel the invaders.

  Explanation: Lady Isolde's responsibility to continuously maintain and lead a specific number of knights for defense, funded by the land she held, demonstrates a fief d'hauberk. The military readiness and service are the core conditions of her tenure.

• Example 3: The Royal Guard's Reward

  After distinguishing himself in a major battle, Sir Gareth, a loyal captain in the King's personal guard, was rewarded with a small but fertile manor. This manor was granted as a fief d'hauberk, meaning Sir Gareth was now expected to provide one fully armed knight (himself or a substitute) to the King's service for a minimum of three months each year, or whenever the King specifically requested his presence for military campaigns. This ensured the King retained the service of a skilled warrior without having to pay a direct salary.

  Explanation: Sir Gareth's receipt of land in exchange for a defined period of military service to the King, rather than monetary payment, exemplifies a fief d'hauberk. The land itself served as the compensation and means to fulfill the military obligation.