Feudal Levy

Feudal Levy
The army available to a lord resulting from the obligations to field a number of knights and men-at-arms in exchange for the land and it’s income. This military service was the mainstay of medieval forces until the middle of the 14th century, consisting generally of 40 days military service in the field or as a castle guard. The liegeman would usually appear as required, with the type of warhorse, armament and attendants specified in the contract, or he could pay scutage to avoid the service.
By the middle of the 14th century, fewer and fewer knights were appearing for their service, preferring to pay scutage instead, with which the lord could hire mercenary knights to serve. With the Hundred Years War, the monarchs required longer campaigns, so they began to pay their troops with booty and with paid service. Many unattached knights, who don’t own their own manor, would hire on in for a campaign in the hopes of receiving valuable horses, riches, ransoms and other booty in exchange for their service. Gradually the feudal obligation fell on and professional armies were increased.

Medieval glossary. 2014.

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