Legal Definitions - valvasor

Valvasor

Historically, a valvasor was a significant vassal within a feudal system who did not hold their land directly from the monarch (the sovereign). Instead, a valvasor held their land and owed allegiance to a more powerful lord, such as a duke or an earl, who *did* hold their land directly from the sovereign. Essentially, a valvasor was a vassal of the second rank or degree, serving a lord who was themselves a direct vassal of the crown.

• Example 1: Sir Kaelen's Estate
  Imagine a medieval kingdom where King Arthur grants a large duchy to Duke Richard. Duke Richard, in turn, needs loyal knights to manage and defend his territory. He grants a substantial estate, including a castle and surrounding lands, to Sir Kaelen in exchange for military service and an oath of fealty. Sir Kaelen is a valvasor because he holds his land and owes his primary allegiance to Duke Richard, who is the direct vassal of King Arthur, rather than directly to King Arthur himself.

• Example 2: Lord Elara's Manor
  Consider a powerful Countess Isabella, who has been granted a vast earldom directly by the Queen. To effectively govern her extensive lands, Countess Isabella subdivides a portion of her earldom, granting a valuable manor and its surrounding villages to Lord Elara. Lord Elara pledges fealty and provides resources and military support to Countess Isabella. Lord Elara functions as a valvasor because her land tenure and loyalty are primarily directed towards Countess Isabella, who is the direct vassal of the Queen.

• Example 3: Baron Frederick's Barony
  In a feudal structure, the King grants the entire county of Wessex to the Earl of Wessex. The Earl, needing to manage his vast territories and raise an army, grants a significant barony within Wessex to Baron Frederick. Baron Frederick, in return, owes military service and taxes to the Earl of Wessex. Baron Frederick is considered a valvasor because he holds his barony from the Earl of Wessex, who is the King's direct vassal, rather than holding it directly from the King.