Medieval and Manuscripts

Affinity (medieval)

In post-classical history, an affinity was a group (retinue) of (usually) men whom a lord gathered around himself in his service; it has been described by one modern historian as "the servants, retainers, and other followers of a lord", and as "part of the normal fabric of society". It is considered a fundamental aspect of bastard feudalism, and acted as a means of tying magnates to the lower nobility, just as feudalism had done in a different way. One form of the relationship was known as livery and maintenance. The lord provided livery badges to be worn by the retainer and "maintenance" or his support in their disputes, which often constituted obstruction of judicial processes.

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See also

• ▸Grote Kerk, Haarlem
• ▸Destruction of cultural heritage during the Gaza war
• ▸Church of St Teresa of Avila, Birkdale

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