Medieval Glossary

A peasant who worked the land for the local lord or Baron. They had few rights and was little better than a slave.

A defensive fortification where a lord or king would live. The local people would flee to this place if they were attacked.

A knight in training, they would take care of the knight's armour and weapons. He would also accompany the knight into battle.

A ditch around a castle filled with water.

A system of government where the king allotted land to his lords and barons. The lords and barons would then pledge their loyalty to the king and promise to protect his rule.

A warrior who rode a horse and wore heavy metal armour. These people were rewarded with land and were required to protect the king when needed.

A young boy that acts as a servant for a knight while training to become a knight someday.

A deadly disease that spread through much of Europe during the Middle Ages. It is estimated that it killed at least one third of all the people in Europe.

document forced upon King John of England by his barons. It said that the king was not above the law and that the people had the right to a fair trial.

The code by which knights pledged to live. It involved honour, being courageous, and protecting the weak.

The Latin word for Middle Ages

This was the local lord's house or castle.

What is a ruler below the king in the feudal system, this person ruled an area of land called a fief. He would pledge his loyalty to the king in return for the land.

Religious wars between the Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem.

The top ruler in a monarchy.

This person was often the top church leader in a kingdom

A religious area or group of buildings where monks lived.

The symbols used by knights on their shield, banner, and armour. It helped to distinguish one knight from another.

An area of land given to a lord or baron by a king to rule.

Someone who pledges their allegiance to a lord.