Tenants-in-Chief

What were tenants in chief?

The tenants-in-chief were directly answerable to the king, and played an important role in Norman society. They were large landholders, who received their land directly from the Norman king.

What was the military role of the tenants-in-chief?

Tenants-in-chief had to lead their own army to fight with the king. They were also expected to defend their own land and put down any rebellions there.

How did the tenants-in-chief use their land?

It was up to tenants-in-chief how they used their land to raise an army. With huge fiefdoms, they were integral to the system of land distribution.

How did tenants-in-chief run their fiefs?

A collection of fiefdoms belonging to a tenant-in-chief was called a barony, and each had its own court to sort out disputes.

What role did tenants-in-chief play in the economy?

Tenants-in-chief were very wealthy, even though they passed on some of their revenues to the king.

What political role did the tenants-in-chief play?

Tenants-in-chief sat on the king's council and might give him advice. They also hosted the king and his court when he travelled to their area.