Authority in Medieval Britain and What It Meant Flashcards

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In medieval Britain, what does the word "authority" mean?

Authority means the recognised right to give orders and expect people to obey.

Who was seen as the highest authority in medieval England?

The king was seen as the highest authority over the land and the people.

Why did many medieval people believe the king had the right to rule?

They believed God had chosen the king, and he was blessed and crowned in church.

What was the feudal system in medieval England?

It was a system where the king gave land to nobles in return for loyalty and soldiers.

How did the feudal system help the king keep his authority?

It linked every person to the king through land, oaths of loyalty, and service.

What jobs did barons and nobles do that showed their authority?

They ran local courts, collected taxes, and led knights in war for the king.

How did the Church have authority in medieval Britain?

The Church controlled religion, had its own courts, and owned large areas of land.

Why did most peasants accept the authority of their lord?

They needed their lord for land and protection and believed God wanted this order.

What is meant by the "Great Chain of Being"?

It was the belief that God placed everything in a fixed order, from king down to peasants.

In what main ways could a medieval king use his authority?

He could make laws, raise taxes, run royal courts, and call men to fight in war.

What was the "king’s peace" in medieval England?

It was the idea that the king must keep order and protect people from crime and war.

What could happen to people who disobeyed authority in medieval times?

They could face harsh punishments on earth and were warned they might be punished by God.