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Associated with the Middle Ages, society divided into estates of the realm took a long time to emerge. The first stage of the process was the development of a system of fiefdoms, or social and economic relations based on the relationships between vassalsvassalvassals and lords (feudalism)feudalism(feudalism). Lords granted land (fiefs)fief(fiefs) and in return secured the allegiance, advice and aid through military service, if needed, of their vassals (subjects). This applied to both laymen and clergy. Every vassal could have his own vassals for whom he would become a mesne lordmesne lordmesne lord. The most important role in that social structure was that of the ruler, or the lord paramountlord paramountlord paramount. His power was partially restricted by the principle which was adopted throughout nearly all of Europe and said that „the vassal of my vassal is not my vassal”. Under that principle, only his direct vassals were obliged to be obedient to the ruler. As a result, states transformed into loose associations of principalities, counties and bishoprics. Rulers were thus forced to seek support from the nobility, especially in the matters of succession to the throne. Feudal ties worked well where they governed the relations between few people. However, there was a huge population of those whose obligations were common and fixed. Such obligations included, e.g. peasants' work on the fields of the owner, for which they paid him the due rentrentrent. This gave rise to a concept that whole communities (e.g. villages) should be regarded as a single whole. The Church advocated for model arguing that a division of society according to their services is a natural state aimed at satisfying the basic needs of every human: spiritual needs (the Church), security (nobility) and getting food and resources which are necessary for living (peasants, craftsmen and merchants).

The first group to demand recognition of its distinctive identity was clergy. They asserted their uniqueness on the grounds of their role in society and the provisions of the canon lawcanon lawcanon law, which applied only to them. The upper echelons of laymen shared the appreciation for chivalry and the corresponding privileges. In spite of all disparities among them, a certain order was established in the 12th and 13th centuries which involved hereditary membership in the estate, exclusive rights to hold high offices or exemption from certain obligations to the ruler and the Church. The most diverse and fragmented group was burghers and peasants, who over time started to be identified as the third estate. Their lack of unity and, in many cases, collaboration and largely little social awareness could not possibly lead to permanent political representation, as was the case with clergy and nobility.

The emergence of the estates redefined the political life across Europe. Following a period of divisions and fragmentation and a weak state administration, now it was time for reorganising society into larger groups. The process included granting certain economic and legal privileges – immunitiesimmunityimmunities. Although they affected the ruler's income, they helped win support for plans which often conflicted with the interests of some of the noble vassals. As a consequence, nobles and rich townsmen started to demand guarantees of their existing rights and required to be part of the decision‑making about taxes and to control the ruler's policy. Medieval rulers were thus forced to make concessions and grant general rights to the estates allowing privileged groups to share in the ruling. This process marked the origin of representation through estates, which evolved into a parliamentary system of governance in the subsequent centuries.

Keywords

Feudalism, canon law, immunity

Glossary