Spencer Heath Archive

Item 934

Pencil notes from the Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Library. Two days later, Heath took further notes (Item 935).

July 25, 1950

Original -> 912

“The manor was an agricultural co-operative society, and every tenant, be he villein or freeman, was, like the lord, a shareholder in it and entitled to a voice in its management. The tenants had obligations to their lord, and the lord had obligations to his tenants. He was expected to assure them justice and protection and the exercise of their legal and customary rights. Underlying the medieval manor was some idea of agricultural democracy.”

From Ancient and Medieval History – Hayes and Moon, Macmillan, New York, 1929, page 540.

“Commendation,” a written contract of service in return for protection — penalty for its violation.

Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. IX, page 204.  Feudalism.

… we place the end of its formative stage near the beginning of the 10th century.   page 206, top.

“In Anglo Saxon England certain forms of dependent land tenure came into use.  … if their natural development had not been cut off by the violent introduction of Frankish feudalism with the Norman Conquest.

“The essence of Feudalism was a contract or agreement by which the lord and vassal each gave and received something.”

Short History of England. Cheney.  Page 135.