Legal Definitions - herebannum

Herebannum is a historical legal term originating from medieval European law. It refers to a royal or lordly decree related to military service and its associated obligations. Historically, it encompassed three distinct but related concepts:

• A formal summons to military service: This was a public announcement or order requiring able-bodied men or feudal vassals to join the army for a specific campaign or defense.
• A penalty for failing to respond to the summons: If an individual or a lord failed to provide the required military service after being summoned, they could be subject to a fine or punishment.
• A tax or tribute for military support: This was a special levy or payment imposed to fund the army, its equipment, or its campaigns, often in lieu of direct service or as an additional contribution.

Examples:

• Imagine a medieval kingdom facing an invasion from a neighboring territory. The King's heralds ride through the towns and villages, blowing trumpets and reading a decree that commands all eligible knights and their retainers, as well as freemen capable of bearing arms, to assemble at the royal muster point within two weeks. This public and official call to gather the army for defense is an instance of a herebannum.

  Explanation: This example illustrates the first meaning of herebannum, which is the formal proclamation or summons issued by a sovereign power to call its subjects to military duty.

• During a period of feudal warfare, a powerful Duke was obligated by his feudal contract to provide 50 knights and 200 foot soldiers to the King's army. Despite receiving the royal herebannum, the Duke, due to internal disputes, only sent half of his required contingent. As a consequence, the King imposed a substantial fine on the Duke, seizing a portion of his lands' revenue for a year as punishment for his failure to fully comply with the military summons.

  Explanation: This scenario demonstrates the second aspect of herebannum, which is the penalty or fine levied against someone who failed to fulfill their military obligation after being formally summoned.

• To fund a lengthy siege against a rebellious baron, the King's council determined that additional resources were needed beyond the regular treasury. They issued a decree requiring each county to contribute a specific amount of silver or grain, or a certain number of provisions, to support the ongoing military campaign. This special levy, intended solely for the upkeep and provisioning of the army, would be considered a form of herebannum.

  Explanation: This example illustrates the third meaning of herebannum, which refers to a specific tax or tribute imposed to provide financial or material support for the army.