The high clergy in the Catholic Church played a large part in feudalism. Bishops and archbishops were often nobles. Like lords, these men had their own land and armies. The pope had his own lands called Papal States. Owning large areas of land gave the church a great deal of political and economic power.

By the 1000s, a middle class formed consisting of merchants and artisans. As this middle class gained power, guilds were created. A guild was an association made up of workers in one occupation. A guild would pass laws, levy taxes, and decide where to spend funds. It would also represent its workers and protect their own economic interests.

Role of the Church in Feudalism

Role of the Guild

Guild Member

Most guild members were journey men, salaried workers. A child may become an apprentice to a guild member.