Understanding Vavasours: A Look into Medieval England's Feudal System

Vavasours were a type of feudal tenant in medieval England who held land from a lord on certain conditions. The term "vavasour" comes from the Old French word "vasour," which means "tenant" or "servant."

Vavasours were typically knights or other men of lower social status who held land from a lord in exchange for military service and other obligations. They were not direct vassals of the king, but rather held their land directly from a lord who was himself a vassal of the king. This made them more like serfs than true vassals, as they did not have the same level of independence or autonomy as true vassals.

Vavasours were often required to provide military service to their lord, as well as other forms of labor and tribute. They also had certain legal rights and protections, such as the right to justice in the lord's court and the right to inherit their land.

The system of vavasory was an important part of the feudal system in medieval England, as it allowed lords to maintain control over their lands and tenants while also providing them with the military and economic support they needed to maintain their power and status.