Class Structures During the Tenth and Eleventh Centuries

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Class Structures During the Tenth and Eleventh Centuries
Life during the medieval ages is significantly different from what is being practiced today in contemporary society. It revealed the evolution of Western Countries which showed the differences in roles and responsibilities of the people then and now. Furthermore, the rankings in the social classes were highly respected and these determine an individual’s position in society. This paper discusses the class structures during the High Middle Ages.
The High Middle Age is from 1000-1300CE. During the 10th century, Western Nations like England was at the height of their wealth in Europe. This is secondary to prosperous farming and trading around the country. The Church and the Monarchs benefited from the taxes while the rural Anglo-Saxon community depends on its life on the prosperity of the lands (Wood).
The social structure depends on the organization presented by the Royalties. At the top is the royal family, followed by the major nobility, minor nobility, freemen, and serfs, respectively. The royalties inherit their title and right to rule the nation. The succession of the throne largely depended on the council of leaders to decide who best fits the title of a ruler. The major nobility acts as the right hand of the royalties. This position cannot be inherited. Next, minor nobles were part of the army of the royals. They are entitled to land in place of excellent service to the king and can be promoted to major nobles by the king. The freemen and serfs are both commoners. However, the freemen are entitled to land while the serfs cannot buy land and they were legally treated as slaves (Wood).
Women in the High Middle Ages have predete...