Escuage definitions
| Word backwards | egaucse |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | es-cu-age |
| Plural | The plural of the word escuage is escuages. |
| Total letters | 7 |
| Vogais (3) | e,u,a |
| Consonants (3) | s,c,g |
What is Escuage?
Escuage was a form of feudal land tenure in medieval England, where a tenant was required to render monetary payment instead of military service to their lord. Escuage was seen as an alternative to knight service, where the tenant paid a fee in exchange for not having to serve in the lord's military campaigns.
Origin and Purpose of Escuage
The term escuage comes from the Latin word "scutagium," which means "shield money." It was introduced during the reign of King Henry I of England as a way for tenants to provide financial support to the king's military efforts. This system allowed landholders to contribute to the defense of the realm without having to fight themselves.
Payment and Calculation
The amount of escuage owed by a tenant was often based on the size of their landholding. The calculation could vary depending on the specific terms of the feudal agreement between the lord and the tenant. Payments were typically made in silver or other forms of currency and were due at specific intervals, such as annually or when called upon by the lord.
Evolution and Decline
Over time, the practice of escuage evolved to become more standardized and regulated by law. However, as the feudal system began to decline and the need for military service waned, escuage also fell out of favor. By the end of the medieval period, other forms of taxation and revenue collection had largely replaced escuage as a means of funding military campaigns.
Legacy of Escuage
Despite its eventual decline, escuage played a significant role in the feudal economy of medieval England. It provided a way for tenants to fulfill their obligations to their lord while also contributing to the defense of the realm. The legacy of escuage can still be seen in historical records and documents that detail the financial transactions between lords and their tenants.
Escuage Examples
- The knight owed escuage in exchange for his land grant.
- Escuage was a form of feudal payment made to the lord by knights.
- The payment of escuage allowed the vassal to avoid military service.
- Escuage was often paid in silver or other forms of currency.
- Knights who did not render their escuage could risk losing their lands.
- Escuage was a key aspect of the feudal system in medieval England.
- The amount of escuage owed by each knight was determined by the king.
- Escuage provided the lord with the funds needed to maintain his military forces.
- Some knights found ways to evade their escuage obligations.
- Escuage was one of the many feudal dues imposed on feudal tenants.