grand sergeanty

feudal land tenure

Also known as: grand serjeanty

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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Grand sergeanty was a form of feudal land tenure where land was granted by a lord, often the king, in exchange for specific personal services. These services were typically honorable and unique, such as carrying the king's banner or sword during a coronation. This type of tenure was considered socially superior to knight service.12

In the broader system of feudal land tenure, land was held by tenants from lords, with the king at the top of the hierarchy. Grand sergeanty was a type of free tenure, distinct from knight service (military duties) and socage (agricultural services). While tenants in sergeanty were often exempt from taxes and certain labors, they were still subject to feudal dues. The land was generally not meant to be sold or divided, though this practice occurred, leading to regulations and fines for unauthorized alienation.31

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sergeanty
In England there was a grand sergeanty, a tenure so noble that it ranked socially above knight service, and a petty sergeanty, a tenure so meagre that it ranked with the peasants’ tenure, called socage. In origin there was no distinction between sergeanties, but inevitably those bringing their holders into…
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In England there was a grand sergeanty, a tenure so noble that it ranked socially above knight service, and a petty sergeanty, a tenure so meagre that it ranked with the peasants’ tenure, called socage. In origin there was no distinction between sergeanties, but inevitably those bringing their holders into…
Read More