The Task

For Lord Whinesalot to choose your family as vassals you must first provide him with your family's portfolio which will include the following:

• a story about a heroic event from your family's history
• family coat of arms
• a design for your proposed castle
• a map of your fief (which you hope he'll grant you)
• a code of chivalry
• an oath of fealty

The Process

1. As a group, draft a family history on which future decisions can be based. Because religion played such a vital role in medieval life, be sure to address this in your family's history. Also include heroic events to depict family character. Read histories of medieval figures to get ideas.
2. Identify group member's roles. Use the links below to find out specific information for your role:
   • Herald - create the coat of arms (family crest) and documentary of historical events supporting the components of the coat of arms
   • Architect - design a model and floorplan of the castle, with supporting explanation for design decisions
   • Cartographer - draw a map of your proposed fief and explain how your family will rule its subjects
   • Knight - develop the oath of fealty and code of chivalry your family will swear to
3. Meet regularly with your group to compare information, check for consistency, and get feedback from group members.
4. Once individual tasks are complete, plan a family visit to the lord's court (your class) to persuade him to choose you as his vassals.

Resources

Use the following resources to develop a family history and to better understand the feudal system of medieval time.
(Resources for other project components are listed under the role description links above.)

Britannia Online: History has timelines, history, castles, religion, and much more!
Timeline of Anglo-Saxon England covers from 55 B.C., the beginning of the Roman Invasion, to 1066 A.D., the Battle of Hastings.
Regia Anglorum's index page provides links to articles on medieval culture, people, and villages. Or take a virtual tour of the fictional medieval estate of Wichamstow and see maps, interview villagers, and discover medieval culture.
Clisto's Battle Statistics & Background includes an autobiography of the imaginary character, Sir Clisto Seversword (provided by John Brunette, a medieval enthusiast).
Peace of God - Synod of Charroux laws decreed by the archbishop.