Homage

Lesser lords, known as vassals agreed to a number of conditions in exchange for their position and lands which were granted to them by a higher lord. This was made official in a ceremony known as Homage.

The vassals agreed to pay a tribute of knights to their lord, in order to defend their lords lands. They agreed to pay a dowry upon the marriage of their lord’s eldest daughter, and also agreed to pay a ransom in the event that their lord was kidnapped.