Bastard Feudalism: Badges and Maintenance part II

This article, "The 1468 Statute of Livery," (from Doug's collection) focuses on exactly that, the series of statutes invoked in order to regulate maintenance during this time. The interesting comparison between this article and others I have read is the statement "What was most obviously banned was extraordinary retaining by those under the rank of the peerage, retaining of those of lower rank than gentlemen and the casual giving of livery to those who were not menial servants or retained for life." The rule is clearly stated, livery could only be given to those who were of either equal status or servants. Yet, much of the conflict spurred on in the late 14th and 15th centuries seems to have been brought on by conflicts in leadership, and the law put into place was meant to deal with the "chivalrous" classes, the classes who were supposed to aid the weak. With the instigation of laws such as these, it quickly becomes apparent that the strong were not helping the weak, but rather seeking to further their own aims, especially during a time when the leadership of the nation was in question. Again, ask me if you would like the article.