Vassal Cermony

This description comes from the period when feudalism was fully developed. It is detailed because the leading man of Flanders had just accepted a new count after a disputed succession. Homage, the specific obligation of the vassal, is carefully distinguished from the more general obligation of fidelity. By the twelfth century it was assumed that most vassals had fiefs.

On Thursday, homages were done to the count. First, they did homage in this way. The count asked the vassal if he wished to become his man without reserve, and the latter answered: "I do." Then, joining his hands together, he placed them in the hands of the count. and they bound themselves to each other by a kiss. Then the man who had just done homage pledged fidelity to the count in these words: "I promise on my faith to be faithful from now on to count William and to observe the obligations of my homage completely, in good faith, and without deceit." This he swore on the relics of the saints. Finally, with a little stick that he held in his hand, the count gave investiture of fiefs to all those who had promised security, done homage, and taken the oath.

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