Petit serjeanty refers to a form of feudal land ownership that entails the owner performing a minor duty for the king, such as presenting him with an arrow or an unstrung bow. This type of ownership is not limited to military personnel, as even individuals like bakers and cooks could possess land through petit serjeanty. It should be noted that petit serjeanty is distinct from grand serjeanty, which necessitates a more significant service pertaining to the defence of the country, such as mobilizing an army or furnishing a fully equipped knight.
Petit serjeanty is a form of feudal lay tenure that mandates a small personal service to the king, typically of military symbolism and low value. Examples of petit serjeanty include presenting an arrow or an unstrung bow to the king. Many Crown household officers, such as bakers and cooks, held lands in serjeanty and were obligated to perform minor services, such as presenting an arrow, to the king in exchange for their land. Other examples of petit serjeanty include carrying the king’s banner or serving as an officer at the coronation, which were ceremonial or honourary and did not require military action. In essence, petit serjeanty was a means for the king to secure loyalty and service from his subjects, even those who were not knights or soldiers.
Petit Serjeanty is a legal term referring to a form of feudal tenure where a person holds land in exchange for providing specific services to the king or lord.
The obligations of a tenant in Petit Serjeanty vary depending on the specific terms of the arrangement. Common obligations may include military service, providing certain goods or services, or maintaining the land.
Yes, Petit Serjeanty can be inherited, typically passing down through generations within a family. However, the specific rules of inheritance may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the terms of the original grant.
In some cases, a tenant in Petit Serjeanty may be able to sell or transfer their rights to another person. However, this is subject to the approval of the lord or the governing authority, and there may be certain restrictions or conditions involved.
A tenant in Petit Serjeanty can potentially be evicted if they fail to fulfill their obligations or violate the terms of the arrangement. However, eviction would typically require legal proceedings and adherence to due process.
The obligations of Petit Serjeanty can be changed or modified, but this would generally require the consent of both the tenant and the lord or governing authority. Any changes would typically be documented in a legal agreement.
In some cases, a tenant in Petit Serjeanty may be entitled to compensation for their services, depending on the terms of the arrangement. This could include monetary payments, exemptions from certain taxes, or other benefits.
A tenant in Petit Serjeanty may have the right to challenge the terms of their arrangement if they believe it is unfair or unjust. This would typically involve legal proceedings and presenting evidence to support their case.
In some cases, Petit Serjeanty can be converted into a different form of tenure, such as freehold or leasehold. However, this would generally require the consent of the lord or governing authority and may involve certain conditions or requirements.
Petit Serjeanty is not commonly recognized in modern legal systems, as it is a historical feudal tenure. However, some remnants of the concept may still exist in certain jurisdictions, particularly in relation to land tenure and inheritance laws.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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