Feudal hierarchy
What Feudal hierarchy means in History GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Feudal hierarchy
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Reference: Pearson Edexcel
A strict structure of medieval society based on landholding, running from the king to tenants-in-chief, under-tenants and peasants.
A rigid social and political structure with the king at the top, followed by tenants-in-chief, knights and peasants.
Topics that use Feudal hierarchy
- Option B1: Key topic 3: Norman England, 1066–88 - 1 The feudal system and the Church (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Option B2: Key topic 1: Life and government in England, 1189–1216 - 1 The feudal system (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Forfeiture
- Knight service
- Centralisation of power
- Church vs State
- Continuity and change
- Economic power
- Feudalism
- Normanisation
Using Feudal hierarchy in the exam
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