Legal Definitions - vassallus

A vassallus (plural: vassalli) was a person in a medieval feudal system who held land, known as a fief, from a superior lord. In exchange for this land and the protection it offered, the vassallus owed loyalty, military service, and other specific obligations to their lord. This relationship was typically formalized through an oath of fealty and an act of homage, establishing a hierarchical bond of mutual duties.

• Example 1: During the 12th century, Sir Reginald was granted a fertile valley and a small castle by Duke Arthur. In return, Sir Reginald pledged to serve Duke Arthur as a knight, providing 30 armed men for the Duke's army whenever called upon for battle, and to attend the Duke's court twice a year. Here, Sir Reginald is the vassallus, holding land from Duke Arthur and owing military service and court attendance as his obligations.

• Example 2: Baroness Eleanor held a vast province directly from the King. As a powerful noble, she was considered a vassallus to the monarch. Her duties included raising taxes from her province for the royal treasury, providing counsel to the King on matters of state, and swearing an oath of allegiance to him, ensuring the stability and prosperity of the kingdom. This illustrates a higher-ranking noble acting as a vassallus with administrative and advisory responsibilities.

• Example 3: Lord Thomas, a minor noble, was granted a small estate with a village by the powerful Earl of Warwick. In exchange for this land and the right to govern its inhabitants, Lord Thomas, as the Earl's vassallus, was obligated to maintain law and order within his estate, ensure the roads were kept in good repair, and provide a small contingent of archers for the Earl's personal guard when needed. This demonstrates a lesser lord fulfilling local governance and specific military support duties as a vassallus.