Legal Definitions - grand serjeanty

Definition: Grand serjeanty is a type of feudal lay tenure that requires the tenant to perform a service related to the country's defense. This service could be as significant as fielding an army or as small as providing a fully equipped knight. Sometimes, the service was ceremonial or honorary, such as carrying the king's banner or serving as an officer at the coronation.

Example: A person who holds lands in grand serjeanty may be required to provide a fully equipped knight to the king in times of war. This means that the tenant must provide a knight with armor, weapons, and a horse to fight for the king.

Explanation: This example illustrates how grand serjeanty requires the tenant to perform a service related to the country's defense. In this case, the tenant must provide a fully equipped knight to fight for the king in times of war. This service is significant and demonstrates the importance of grand serjeanty in feudal society.

Example: Another example of grand serjeanty is carrying the king's banner during a battle. This service is ceremonial and honorary, but it still demonstrates the tenant's loyalty and commitment to the king.

Explanation: This example illustrates how grand serjeanty can also involve ceremonial or honorary services. Carrying the king's banner during a battle is a symbolic gesture that shows the tenant's allegiance to the king and his country.

Additional Example: A household officer of the Crown, such as a baker or cook, may hold lands in serjeanty. This means that they are required to provide some form of personal service to the king, which could be as simple as baking bread for the royal household.

Explanation: This example demonstrates how serjeanty was not limited to military service. Even household officers of the Crown could hold lands in serjeanty and provide personal services to the king. This shows how serjeanty was a diverse and flexible system of feudal tenure.