“The knight’s duty to their lord was grounded in the concept of fealty, a solemn obligation of loyalty and service. They were expected to provide military support, defend the lord’s lands, and uphold their lord’s authority in times of conflict. In return, the knight received protection, land, and social standing within the feudal hierarchy.”
Dr. Elizabeth Marshall, Medieval Historian
1. Military Service: The primary duty of a knight was to provide military service to their lord. This included fighting in wars, battles, and skirmishes as a mounted warrior. Knights formed the backbone of a lord’s military force and were expected to be skilled in combat, leading and inspiring other soldiers.
2. Oath of Fealty: Knights swore an oath of fealty to their lord, pledging their loyalty and obedience. This oath established a formal bond between the knight and their lord, requiring the knight to serve faithfully and defend the lord’s interests.
3. Defense of the Lord’s Lands: Knights were responsible for defending their lord’s lands, castles, and territories. They were expected to protect these lands from external threats, whether it was enemy incursions, bandit raids, or rebellions. Knights could be assigned garrison duty or patrol their lord’s domain to maintain security.
4. Council and Advice: Knights often served as trusted advisers to their lord. They would provide counsel on matters of warfare, strategy, and governance. Their experience in military matters and their understanding of the local landscape and people made their input valuable to the lord’s decision-making process.
5. Administrative Support: Knights could be involved in administrative tasks, such as managing the lord’s estate, collecting rents and taxes, or overseeing local affairs. They played a role in maintaining law and order within their lord’s domain, settling disputes, and enforcing the lord’s authority.
6. Financial Support: Knights were expected to provide financial support to their lord. This could involve paying feudal dues, contributing a portion of their income or produce, or providing military equipment and supplies. These contributions helped sustain the lord’s household and support their military endeavors.
7. Personal Service: Knights were often called upon to perform personal services for their lord, such as attending court, accompanying them on diplomatic missions, or serving as a bodyguard. These services demonstrated the knight’s loyalty and reinforced the bond between the knight and their lord.
The specific duties of a knight to their lord could vary depending on the region, the lord’s expectations, and the particular circumstances of the feudal relationship. However, the overarching theme was that knights were bound by their oath of fealty to serve their lord’s interests and protect their lord’s lands and authority.
“The relationship between a knight and their lord was built on reciprocal obligations. The knight owed their lord military service, counsel, and personal allegiance. They were expected to be the lord’s trusted confidant, leading the lord’s armies, and maintaining order within their lord’s domain. In turn, the lord provided the knight with land, protection, and opportunities for advancement.”
Dr. Jonathan Barnes, Feudalism Scholar
