Knight-service is a form of land ownership in which a knight holds land from another person or the king, with the condition of providing military service. This commitment, known as a pledge of military service, requires the knight to serve for forty days annually if called upon by the king. Knight-service was the predominant form of land ownership in England, with very few of the king’s tenants holding land through any other means.
Knight-service is a form of land tenure in which a knight holds land from another individual or the Crown in return for military service. It is also referred to as knight’s service or ward holding in Scots law. Unlike other types of land tenure like base service, socage, and villeinage, knight-service involves the provision of military service. For instance, during medieval times in England, a knight would hold land from the king and in return, offer forty days of military service each year. This arrangement, known as the service of one knight or fully armed horseman, was prevalent in medieval Europe and aimed to ensure that the king or lord had a readily available pool of trained soldiers during times of war. The knight was responsible for providing their own armor and weapons and was expected to fight on horseback.
Knight-Service refers to the feudal obligation of a knight to serve his lord in times of war. It involved providing military service and other duties in exchange for land and protection.
No, Knight-Service is a historical concept that is no longer applicable in modern legal systems.
The specific duties of a knight under Knight-Service included providing military service, attending the lord’s court, and performing other tasks as required by the lord.
Failure to fulfill Knight-Service obligations could result in the loss of land, title, and protection from the lord.
Knight-Service was regulated through feudal contracts and agreements between lords and knights, as well as through customary laws and traditions.
Yes, there were legal disputes related to Knight-Service, particularly regarding the fulfillment of obligations and the rights of knights and lords.
Knight-Service played a significant role in the development of feudal law and the concept of vassalage in medieval legal systems.
Certain individuals, such as clergy, women, and those physically unable to serve, were exempt from Knight-Service obligations.
Knight-Service contributed to the hierarchical social structure of medieval society by establishing a system of obligations and privileges based on land ownership and military service.
While Knight-Service is a historical concept, there are modern legal concepts, such as military service obligations and contractual obligations, that share similarities with Knight-Service.
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This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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