Significance of war in medieval society c.1290–c.1450: changing nature of…

The idea

Between c.1290 and c.1450 warfare in Britain changed in scale and method, and this theme asks you to weigh its significance for society. Armies relied less on the old feudal levy of knights serving for a set number of days and more on paid service, contracts and professional soldiers, so feudal obligation was adapted rather than simply abolished. War was expensive: wages, supplies, transport, horses, armour and fortifications drained royal and noble finances, and taxation and purveyance shifted the burden onto ordinary people. Where armies fought or were stationed, populations faced requisitioning of food and goods, damage to crops and property, disruption of trade and, at worst, violence and displacement. A strong answer links each change to a consequence for different groups, such as lords, townspeople and peasants, and judges how far war reshaped medieval society.

What earns the marks

• Explains how the changing nature of war altered the composition of armies and the experience of those who fought.
• Describes how feudal service was adapted through paid service and contracts rather than simply disappearing.
• Identifies the financial cost of war, including wages, supplies and fortifications, and who bore that cost.
• Assesses the impact on populations where armies fought or were stationed, such as requisitioning, damage and disruption.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assumes feudal service vanished completely by 1450.

  Put it right: Recognise that it was adapted and combined with paid arrangements.

• Treats the cost of war as falling only on the king.

  Put it right: Consider taxation, purveyance and the burden on ordinary people.

• Ignores civilians entirely and discusses only soldiers.

  Put it right: Include populations affected by fighting and army stationing.

Exam tips

• Read the question stem carefully to see whether it asks about change, cost, feudal service or impact on populations, and target that clause.
• Use specific examples such as paid contracts or requisitioning to support each point rather than general statements.
• When comparing options in a multiple-choice question, eliminate any that overstate change, such as claiming feudal service ended outright.