bastard feudalism

Bastard feudalism, a term coined in the 17th century, describes a system in late medieval England where lords compensated dependents with salaries and written contracts rather than land. This differed from earlier feudalism, which was characterized by land grants (fiefs) in exchange for military or other services.12

In this system, lords maintained retinues of followers who were not necessarily tied to land ownership. These followers provided service, often military, in return for payment and protection. This arrangement allowed lords to maintain power and influence, and it marked a shift from the more rigid land-based obligations of earlier feudalism. The economic aspect involved regular payments and contractual agreements, moving away from the hereditary land tenure that defined earlier feudal relationships.213