Vassals

A vassal was a lesser lord. The political and economic relationship between Lords and vassals was based on the exchange of land for loyalty and military service. This was established through custom and tradition and by an exchange of pledges known as the feudal contract. Under this system, a Lord granted his vassal a fief. The Lord promised to protect his vassal, and the vassal pledged his loyalty to the Lord. The vassal also agreed to provide the Lord with 40 days of military service each year, various money payments, and advice.The vassals made up less than 5% of the population.